Here’s an interesting campaign move: In light of a Washington Post article that I would say reflects pretty badly on his record as a businessman, Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe’s (D) campaign sought not only to spin the story, but it posted the story on the campaign website and emailed supporters urging them to read it.
The story ran in Sunday’s Washington Post and is currently on the paper’s website under the headline: “McAuliffe’s Background Could Prove a Liability” – not exactly flattering stuff. On McAuliffe’s website, though, it runs under the alternate headline: “Va. Candidate McAuliffe Has History of Mixing Business and Politics.” (I think that may have been the headline in the paper, but I’m not sure.)
In an email sent to supporters on Sunday night, McAuliffe’s campaign sought to frame the article in terms of job creation.
“Terry has a long, successful career as an entrepreneur with 13 years experience running large organizations,” the email from Mike Henry, McAuliffe’s campaing manager, reads. “This morning the Washington Post examined some of the work Terry’s done — creating thousands of jobs and turning around struggling institutions. I want to make sure you’ve had a chance to read it.”
This is certainly an interesting spin job. Is the McAuliffe campaign stretching a bit? Sound off in the comments section below and check out the full email after the jump.
XXXXX,
Terry has a long, successful career as an entrepreneur with 13 years experience running large organizations. This morning the Washington Post examined some of the work Terry’s done — creating thousands of jobs and turning around struggling institutions. I want to make sure you’ve had a chance to read it.
When Terry sees opportunities, he finds ways to make them happen. He started his first business when he was just 14 years old, paving driveways so he could pay for college. At age 30, he was elected one of the youngest people to ever serve as Chairman of a federally chartered bank, which had fallen on some hard times. Terry came in, replaced the leadership team, brought in new capital, and turned things around. At a time when the federal government has had to rescue so many banks that couldn’t sustain themselves, we’ve got a candidate who saved one from failure.
The only way we are going to fix our economic crisis and create jobs is with big bold ideas and outside-the-box thinking. And that is exactly the kind of leadership Terry will bring to the governor’s office.
Read the Washington Post article on TerryMcAuliffe.com. Then get more facts about Terry’s experience creating jobs.
In his private business ventures, Terry’s jumpstarted companies and structured deals that were mutually beneficial to the parties involved. As governor, we can count on him to use that same go-get-’em attitude to bring jobs to the Commonwealth. The fact that Terry knows so many business leaders personally will only enhance his ability to sell companies on the benefits of locating their operations in Virginia.
Throughout this campaign, Terry’s stayed positive, and remained focused on the issues. At town halls across the Commonwealth, he’s answered every tough question that’s been asked of him. No one has been more accountable to Virginians about his record and agenda than Terry McAuliffe. He wouldn’t have it any other way.
We only have 37 more days to communicate Terry’s message of economic opportunity across Virginia. You’ve been there every step of the way, and we’re counting on your help until the very end.
Read the Washington Post article on TerryMcAuliffe.com. Then get more facts about Terry’s experience creating jobs.
Thanks,
Mike Henry
Campaign Manager