New plan from McAuliffe, audio of McGuire talking VA-07, and more
Afternoon update on Virginia politics.
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McAuliffe announced a new plan with hopes of increasing vaccinations
Democratic nominee for governor Terry McAuliffe announced a plan Tuesday that he hopes will increase vaccination rates across Virginia. “Virginia is for Vaccine Lovers” is the name the former governor wants to use for his strategy if he is elected to serve again.
“The COVID-19 pandemic is the most pressing economic issue facing our Commonwealth, and we must do everything in our power to keep students safely in schools and our economy strong. That starts with getting every eligible Virginian vaccinated,” McAuliffe said in a press release.
His plan would include providing incentives for businesses that require their employees be vaccinated, deploying public health workers to regions with low vaccination rates to provide critical information about vaccine safety, and utilizing mobile vaccine clinics.
His Republican opponent Glenn Youngkin responded to the plan on Twitter. “I’m glad you’ve finally realized that a marketing campaign encouraging Virginians to get vaccinated against COVID is important,” Youngkin tweeted. “I released a PSA weeks ago. Where’s yours? Let’s put politics aside and film one together this Thursday at the debate – you in?”
McAuliffe has come out in strong support of vaccine mandates while Youngkin has strongly urged his supporters to receive it, but stopped short of agreeing to a mandate. Recent polling showings that a majority of Americans support vaccine requirements.
McAuliffe then responded to Youngkin calling for him to push for vaccine requirements. “I have a real plan, Glenn. Not a gimmick like the one you launched to paper over the fact that you’ve been spreading anti-vaxx rhetoric,” McAuliffe tweeted. “Here’s an idea: join me in calling for vaccine requirements so we can end this virus once and for all. Step up Glenn.”
Youngkin responded once again. “Bipartisanship that will save lives isn’t a gimmick, Terry. Sad that you think that way. My team has reached out to yours to coordinate. Hope you will reconsider.”
Youngkin is slightly trailing McAuliffe in recent polling with early voting beginning this upcoming Friday. Both candidates are working hard to try and raise money to catch a stride in the final weeks.
Vice President Kamala Harris and former Attorney General William Barr are the latest big names to be added to the now-long list of national political figures that have stumped in the Virginia gubernatorial race.“
McAuliffe and Youngkin have less than 50 days to convince voters to choose them for governor on Nov. 2.
In a voicemail, McGuire says he is a "potential nominee for a top-five congressional seat"
In this voicemail left for a Texas donor, Del. John McGuire says he is a "potential nominee for a top-five congressional seat — VA-07."
McGuire sought the VA-07 Republican nomination in 2020 and lost to Nick Freitas. Spanberger eventually defeated Freitas. McGuire has not commented on the audio at the time of this newsletter being published.
Progressive groups to Knock 50,000 Doors in 50 Days in Support of Virginia House of Delegate Candidates
On Monday, a collective of progressive allies announced the launch of the “50k Doors in 50 Days” campaign, a joint effort to mobilize community partners in Virginia to elect or protect Democratic candidates in battleground seats. Participating organizations will deploy paid canvassers and volunteers to knock 50,000 doors in the 50 days leading up to the Nov. 2 general election. In addition, nine canvass rallies will be held in battleground districts.
“Virginia has made tremendous progress over the last two election cycles and it is critical that we protect our progressive coalition in the House of Delegates,” said Kiera Hall, Commonwealth Forward Executive Director.
Target campaigns include Kelly Fowler (HD-21), Joshua Cole (HD-28), Elizabeth Guzman (HD- 31), Lashrecse Aird (HD-63), Katie Sponsler (HD-66), Nadarius Clark (HD-79), Kecia Evans (HD-88), and Finale Norton (HD-100).
Progressive partners and allies include Commonwealth Forward, CASA In Action, Meet Our Moment, Virginia for Everyone, Virginia Justice Democrats, Keep the Big Boys Honest, Virginia unions, and other partners.
Canvass rally speakers include Delegate Jay Jones, 2021 gubernatorial candidate Jennifer Carroll Foy, and 2020 congressional Democratic nominee Qasim Rashid.
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