As if Obama v. Clinton Weren’t Bad Enough

Democrats can expect more of the same next year because both Sen. Creigh Deeds and Del. Brian Moran are both full speed ahead for the Democratic nomination for Governor in 2009. This despite the fact that practically every Democrat I talk to wants one of the two to drop down on the ticket and run for either Lt. Governor or Attorney General, but there’s no indication whatsoever that that’s going to happen.

Meanwhile Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling declared recently that he’s running for re-election, thus clearing the field for Attorney General Bob McDonnell in the race for the GOP nomination for Governor (and probably clearing the field in the LG race for Bolling as well).

Taking nothing away from Del. Moran, I personally think Sen. Deeds is the stronger candidate for the Democrats. But the campaign team that Moran has put together is second to none, the type of people you’d hire for a run at Governor, Senator, or even President; not a lower office like LG or AG.

Overall the field of candidates the Democrats are going to put forward next year for statewide office don’t inspire a huge amount of confidence. The only one who’s run a statewide campaign is Deeds, who only lost to McDonnell in ‘05 by a few hundred votes.

I don’t buy the fact that Moran can’t get elected because he represents NOVA and is originally from New England. In the 2001 Governor’s race, Democrats ran a guy from NOVA by way of Connecticut named Mark Warner….and that worked out OK.

Rep. Jim Moran (D-VA), Brian’s brother, has been a very effective legislator for his constituents over the years. But outside of his district he’s not very well thought of throughout Virginia because of a series of bizarre and/or controversial incidents. Brian represents a tiny district in Alexandria that is completely devoid of Republicans, so his brother’s problems have never really been a problem for him politically…..yet.

Brian has a ton of other promising opportunities in his future. He’s a lawyer, so he could run for Attorney General…an ideal springboard for a run at Governor. If he stays in the House of Delegates, he’s got a great shot at becoming Speaker if and when the Democrats take control. Also, he could easily take his brother’s seat in Congress when Jim finally decides to hang it up (and considering how many foot-in-mouth moments Rep. Moran has had over the years, that could be any day now).