In the same week that former President Bill Clinton hit the trail and emailed on his behalf, prominent Democratic strategist James Carville emailed Virginia gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe’s supporters on Wednesday slamming former Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell, who will likely be the GOP nominee in the race this year.
Carville said McDonnell criticized the economic stimulus package then went on to take campaign contributions from banks that received stimulus funds.
“When it came time to help Virginians who lost their jobs, Bob McDonnell said ‘No, nope, not gonna happen,'” Carville wrote. “His Republican buddies turned down $125 million in federal funds that would go right to families that need it the most — and Bob cheered them on.
“But when he could personally benefit, Bob said ‘Yep, more please’ to federal funds — taking campaign contributions from the banks that were bailed out with taxpayer money.”
Carville also asked supporters to contribute to McAuliffe’s campaign.
“I’ve known Terry for a long time, so I know he’s going to be a great governor,” Carville wrote. “And the more Virginians get to know him, the more they agree.”
Notably, there is no mention of McAuliffe’s Democratic primary opponents in the email. That could be an indication that McAuliffe’s camp is already looking to the general election despite polls that show is in a very tight race with former Virginia delegate Brian Moran. [UPDATE: The latest SurveyUSA poll shows McAuliffe leading Moran and Virginia state Sen. Creigh Deeds 38 percent to 22 percent each, respectively. A majority in the poll also said that they may still change their mind.]
It could also mean that McAuliffe’s camp knows that bashing Republicans, like Carville did, is a better way to raise money.
Check out the full email after the jump.
XXXXX,
Bob McDonnell just gave us a great example of the difference between Democrats and Republicans in Virginia.
When it came time to help Virginians who lost their jobs, Bob McDonnell said “No, nope, not gonna happen.” His Republican buddies turned down $125 million in federal funds that would go right to families that need it the most — and Bob cheered them on.
But when he could personally benefit, Bob said “Yep, more please” to federal funds — taking campaign contributions from the banks that were bailed out with taxpayer money.
It really chaps my hide to witness the hypocrisy, shamelessness and unmitigated gall of sanctimonious Republicans who use one hand to wag their fingers at everybody else while the other hand is shoved in the cookie jar.
We have to beat this guy in November. Terry McAuliffe is the best candidate we’ve got, but he needs our help now to win the nomination. It’s crunch time.
Primary Day is just 41 days away, and the critical April 30 fundraising deadline is tomorrow.
Contribute today to help Terry beat Bob McDonnell in November — as little as $5 can make a big difference.
I’ve known Terry for a long time, so I know he’s going to be a great governor. And the more Virginians get to know him, the more they agree.
He’s focused like a laser on bringing jobs to the Commonwealth. He’s got the business sense to make it happen. And trust me — the guy doesn’t take “no” for an answer when he needs to get things done.
In this campaign, he’s led by example. He publicly pledged not to take donations from any companies receiving federal bailout funds. That move even prompted one of his Democratic opponents to return the money he’d taken from banks receiving taxpayer bailout money.
But most importantly, Terry has always been on the side of the little guy. When Virginia’s families need help, Terry will stand up for them every day.
We’re entering the final stretch of the Democratic primary. The actions we take right now will decide who wins in 41 days and who takes on Bob McDonnell.
So let’s make sure Terry is our nominee and has everything he needs to win. This race is going to come down to just a few votes. That’s why he needs your help right now – this minute.
Contribute now, before the April 30 deadline — as little as $5 can make a big difference.
I’m proud to be supporting my friend Terry, and it’s great knowing that you’re a part of this fight, too. Thanks for joining me.
Sincerely,
James Carville