McAuliffe attacks Youngkin in a new TV ad the day before their first debate
An afternoon update on Virginia politics.
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With the first gubernatorial debate happening Thursday night, Democratic nominee Terry McAuliffe is releasing a new attack ad Wednesday against his Republican opponent, Glenn Youngkin.
The TV ad takes aim at Wall Street business dealings from The Carlyle Group while Youngkin was employed with the global investment firm.
“Glenn Youngkin likes to talk about his time on Wall Street. But the truth is it was only great for Glenn Youngkin,” the narrator of the ad says. Businesses went bankrupt, thousands laid off, even neglecting seniors in nursing homes, hurting kids, and bilking taxpayers. But Glenn Youngkin, he walked away with over $500 million dollars. We can’t trust him to lead Virginia.”
McAuliffe is slightly leading Youngkin in recent polling for the Nov. 2 election. The two candidates will meet for their first in-person debate Thursday night at 7 p.m. The debate will be broadcast on CBS 6 in Richmond, News 3 in Hampton Roads, WZBJ24 in Roanoke, and streamed online at WTVR.
DLCC is spending half a million in Virginia during September
The Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee (DLCC) and its affiliates announced Wednesday that they are making a September investment of $500,000 in Virginia.
For the first time ever, the committee says that they are giving $100,000 to the lieutenant governor’s race because of its potential impact in the Virginia Senate where Democrats only hold a narrow two-seat majority. If one Democrat votes with the Republicans on any legislation, the lieutenant governor is tasked with casting the tie-breaking vote.
“There is so much at stake in Virginia this cycle,” said DLCC President Jessica Post. “The Republican slate of Trump acolytes have been crystal clear about their agenda if they win the majority: they will roll back voting rights, ban abortions, and rip away access to health care for half a million Virginians. The DLCC is making sure our candidates are well resourced so they can get their message out to voters and win.”
Hala Ayala (D) and Winsome Sears (R) are seeking to be both the first woman to serve as lieutenant governor, and the first woman of color to serve statewide in Virginia. Polling has shown a close race.
The DLCC will also be spending money to protect the 55-45 majority that Democrats have in the House of Delegates. “Since flipping the legislature in 2019, Virginia has been a model of what can be accomplished when Democrats hold the gavel,” added Post. “With progressive legislation stalling at the federal level, it is more important than ever that we invest in holding Democratic majorities in statehouses across the country.”
A new ad from the Virginia Hospital & Healthcare Association urges people to get the vaccine.
Miyares launches first television ad for his attorney general campaign
Jason Miyares, the Republican nominee for attorney general is launching his campaign’s first TV ad this week. He is running against two-term Democratic incumbent Mark Herring.
In the ad, Miyares accuses his opponent of catering too much to political issues while in office. “When you become a prosecutor, you raise your hand and take an oath. You have one job – try the criminals, and lock them up,” Miyares says in the ad. “But instead of focusing on crime, Mark Herring focuses on left-wing politics.”
In addition to the attorney’s general race, the governor, lieutenant governor, and House of Delegates are on the ballot this November. Early voting begins Friday.
Declaración de Terry McAuliffe Celebrando el Comienzo del Mes de la Herencia Hispana
“Hoy marca el inicio del Mes de la Herencia Hispana, un tiempo para celebrar y reconocer todo el trabajo que la comunidad Latina en nuestro estado ha hecho para contribuir a nuestra economía, cultura e historia,” dijo Terry McAuliffe. “Virginia no estaría donde está hoy sin nuestra comunidad Latina. A medida que continuamos avanzando, me comprometo a continuar el trabajo para mantener una economía fuerte, invertir en nuestro sistema educativo y asegurar que nuestro estado continúe siendo acogedor e inclusivo para todos.”
Sierra Club Virginia Chapter Endorses Attorney General Mark Herring for Re-election
Sierra Club Virginia Chapter today announced its endorsement of Attorney General Mark Herring for re-election Wednesday.
“We appreciate Mark Herring’s leadership in the Attorney General’s office. Virginia is heading in the right direction on climate action, and re-electing Mark Herring is an important part of continued action on climate, clean energy, and justice,” said Connor Kish, Legislative and Political Director for the Sierra Club Virginia Chapter.
Katie Sponsler (HD-66) launched a $100K TV ad buy
Katie Sponsler, the House Democratic nominee in HD-66, announced Wednesday that she has made a six-figure TV ad buy as she faces off against the Republican nominee, Mike Cherry.
“Access to quality education, affordable healthcare, and job opportunities - this is what our campaign has been about since day one, and we’re excited to share our priorities with this TV buy,” said Sponsler. “We hear it on the doors and on our voter calls everyday - 66th District residents are ready for leadership that will always put Virginia families first, and this is why our campaign is resonating across the district. Our momentum grows daily as our message reaches more residents.”
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