Virginia's Democratic primary election yesterday resulted in the nomination of two pro-choice candidates, Creigh Deeds for governor and Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor.
Deeds' victory was a surprise upset over candidates Brian Moran and Terry McAuliffe, whose campaigns were both better funded. Deeds received 50 percent of the vote, McAuliffe received 26 percent, and Moran received 24 percent. Deeds has served in the Virginia State Senate since 2001 and previously served in the House of Delegates. Last year Deeds received a rating of 100% from NARAL Pro-Choice Virginia, indicating that his legislative work reflects a pro-choice position. He will run against Republican Bob McDonnell for the governor's seat.
Lieutenant governor nominee Jody Wagner is the former state Finance Secretary, the first woman to hold that position in Virginia. She won 73 percent of the vote over Democratic campaign strategist Michael Signer. On her website, Wagner states "I do not believe that the government should be involved in women's personal healthcare choices. While we must always work to reduce the number of abortions in Virginia, we should not do so by criminalizing the doctors or the women." Wagner will face the Republican incumbent Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling in the general election.
Media Resources: The Washington Post 6/10/09; Deeds for Virginia; Project Vote Smart; Jody for VA; Associated Press 6/10/09
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