Progressive group endorses Sanders-backed candidate in Va. governors race

[nitpicker]

http://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/329622-progressive-group-endorses-sanders-backed-candidate-in-va-governors-race

Progressive group endorses Sanders-backed candidate in Va. governors race

By Lisa Hagen - 04/20/17 05:00 AM EDT

A national progressive group is endorsing former Rep. Tom Perriello (D-Va.), hoping to channel voter enthusiasm from Georgia's special election into the Democratic primary for Virginia governor. The Progressive Change Campaign Committee’s (PCCC) Virginia team will coordinate with Perriello’s campaign, training field volunteers and launching a fundraising campaign on behalf of him.

Perriello is running against Lt. Gov. Ralph Northam as the Democrats get ready to square off in a primary on June 13. Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) is term-limited out of the position, leaving an open seat.

Perriello, who served a short stint in Congress from 2008 to 2010, has racked up progressive endorsements, including a coveted one from Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). The former presidential candidate is campaigning with him and kicked it off with an appearance at George Mason University to help rally college students who flocked to Sanders’s presidential campaign.
(snip)

This is PCCC’s second-ever gubernatorial endorsement. The progressive group also announced earlier this week its support for Democrats in other local Virginian races: Justin Fairfax for lieutenant governor and five candidates running to serve in Virginia’s General Assembly. The group was heavily involved in the nationally watched Georgia special election and is hoping to replicate the momentum for Ossoff's campaign into other races, like statewide races in Virginia.

Northam was expected to have the primary field to himself after securing endorsements from McAuliffe and a majority of elected Democratic officials in Virginia. But Perriello has upended the race and has sparked attention with his vocal anti-Trump rhetoric.

While Northam has taken shots at Trump, he is playing up his long service in Virginia state politics. Perriello has never served as an elected official at the state level.
(snip)

[4139]

1. Northam voted for WBush TWICE....

I think he will get reminded that he voted for WBush TWICE often before the primary vote.

Hmm, do you think Northam will be reminded that he voted for WBush TWICE?

[phylny]

2. Which candidate has the best chance of winning? n/t

[rogue emissary]

3. They're just about even.

Each has outperformed the other compared to the field of GOP candidates in at least one poll. The majority of the polls have them tied when placed in face to face match up with leading GOP candidates.