Delegate Brian Moran, Chairman of House Democratic Caucus in the Virginia House of Delegates, attended a reception held in his honor in the home of Jeff and Suzanne Breit on December 3rd, 2008. Many of our elected officials were in attendance, including Delegate Bobby Mathieson, outgoing Mayor Meyera Oberndorf, and school board member-elect, Brent McKenzie.

Moran is establishing himself, if this is not well established already, as the heir of the legacy left by Mark Warner and, soon, Tim Kaine. If the slew of endorsements Moran is receiving, including 7 out of 11 congressional district chairs (including the 2nd district), is any indicator; that might very well be how Brian Moran will be viewed by voters in Virginia.

After lauding the success of the November 4th elections, Moran shared his belief with those in attendance that Virginia has created a new Democratic tradition built on governing after the example of Mark Warner and Tim Kaine by solving issues with a business-like approach. Moran credits this approach with being a crucial factor in Virginia being one of the best managed states in the nation.

Since 2001, Virginians have voted for a Democrat to lead the state; and Brian Moran is well on his way to being being the candidate to continue that tradition.

Moran is a good fit for Virginia, with a mix of positions on issues that make him both a good Democratic candidate who will appeal to the moderates throughout the state and a passionate advocate for common sense progressive issues regarding the environment, energy, and civil rights.

Before Brian Moran is handed the keys to the executive mansion in Richmond, he’ll have win the Democratic primary against Democrats Creigh Deeds and Terry McAuliffe and then the general election against Republican Bob McDonnell. While Deeds had used the 2008 election as a vehicle to get his name out to the supporters of Democratic candidates on the ticket, including Barack Obama; he just doesn’t seem to have a lot of momentum behind his campaign, as least not from my standpoint (which, for the record, isn’t very high).

The real worry local Democrats seem to have is the damage that McAulliffe can do to the primary election. With both his personal fortune, fundraising muscle, and national fame, McAulliffe might be able to take some of the wind out of Moran’s sail. Worst case scenario is that McAullife is able to win the primary, which almost guarantees a win for McDonnell. McAullife can neither argue from legislative or statewide office experience, where McDonnell is leaning heavily on his credentials as the current Attorney General of Virginia.

McAullife, if you’re reading this, I have just one thing to say to you: Thanks for all of your efforts toward the success of the Democratic party nationwide, but get out of this race!

If all goes well, we’ll have a general campaign matching Moran against McDonnell. I really look forward to the debate between these candidates. McDonnell, through he does make some convincing conservative arguments, might be a little too liberal in forcing his conservatism for the tastes’ of Virginia voters. Brian Moran might very well be able to continue that Democratic tradition.

More: Pictures from the Brian Moran reception on Flickr.

[X-Posted to Blue Commonwealth]

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