Candidate makes Southside stop, talks about economic needs of area

By Bernard Baker

Published: December 4, 2008

BROSVILLE — House Democratic Caucus Chairman Brian Moran made a swing through parts of Southside on Thursday, meeting with voters and picking up some endorsements.

Moran, a delegate from Alexandria and candidate for governor, campaigned in Martinsville, where he picked up the support of House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong, Sheriff Steve Draper and Martinsville Democratic Chair Lorene Martin.

Moran will take on state Sen. Creigh Deeds and former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe in next year’s Democratic primary.

Promoting growth in Southside is one part of Moran’s campaign plank. He said that was a successful recipe for former Gov. Mark Warner and Gov. Timothy M. Kaine.

“We need to promote jobs and economic development,” Moran said during an interview at Chatmoss Cablevision.

He said the best welfare program he can think of is to give someone a job. Other issues the candidate said are important include spending more money on education and providing health care for children.

As a former prosecutor, Moran also supports the death penalty.

He said part of his job in the House is to assist in carrying the governor’s legislative agenda in the General Assembly. Caucus leaders also recruit candidates so they can whittle down the Republican margin in the House of Delegates.

Moran was actively involved in getting Danville City Councilman Adam Tomer to challenge Delegate Danny Marshall in 2007. He said he would like to find someone to take on Marshall next November after Tomer’s valiant effort fell short.

“As of now, we have no candidate,” Moran said.

Moran said he won’t let his job as caucus leader take a back seat to his gubernatorial campaign. Democrats have picked up 12 House seats since he became caucus leader in 2001.

“I will continue being involved,” Moran said.

• Contact Bernard Baker at or (434) 791-7986.