From Galax to Fairfax, Moran Fights for the Commonwealth

Emotions are running high.  

The hardcore Obama supporters are in a state of adulation; overjoyed and deeply embracing Hillary Clinton across the healing rift of the fading primary.  Meanwhile, Hillary's most devoted are not sure whether their tears are coming from overwhelming pride in the candidate they so deeply love, or the catharsis that has come as they begin to see in Obama the fulfillment of the hope and faith they put in HRC.  They only know that they are proud Democrats, proud Virginians, and proud Americans seemingly in the eye of history's storm.  They are, in the words of Kathy Nielsen, "just so proud of our girl".

Into this astonishing array of excitement and emotion, an ebullient Mark Warner joins the fray.  His tie and jacket long-gone, Warner is having a great time with his beloved Virginia Democrats; greeting all.  I watch him shake hands and then bear hug Brian Moran.  It's an honest moment between the two that seems to betray a simple truth:  these guys are good friends.

The next day, I'm peppering Moran with questions over coffee.  Moran has been going since 4am, doing the media circuit.  I start by asking about Warner's speech.  "His speech was 'Warneresque'", he smiles through his pinched-cheek smile.  "I've known Mark for 20 years. He gave a substantive speech about how we can meet challenges.  Mark has a message of governance and solving problems. That's how we win in Virginia, by rolling up our sleeves and addressing issues that matter to people."  

"I represent the continuation of the success we've had in Virginia.  It's success based on results for regular people; in treating Virginia as a Commonwealth.  Whether you're born in Galax or Fairfax, you should have the same opportunity.  That's the principle I've been fighting for in the House for 12 years, and it's why Democrats should win this year.  We have a vision for the country that is for the whole country."
To call Brian Moran a fighter understates his political skill and legislative toughness.  Still, Moran is a heck of a fighter, so I ask him how he plans to keep next year's primary against Senator Creigh Deeds civil.  Will there be any elbows thrown?  "I'll run on issues.  There are sufficient issues to define us.  He'll have to explain his votes.  The voters will decide.  Now, will it involve sharp elbows or a smooth tongue?"  

I note that he has left the question hanging, but he's on a roll...  

"I've been traveling the state picking up support.  I'll win because of my demonstrated leadership and work ethic. Look, I've worked in the house in a bipartisan way. If house republicans are the impediment to progress, I've worked with them.   Just look at Alicia's law."

Is that how you're going to beat McDonnell if you're the nominee?  "I've gone toe-to-toe against Bob McDonnell for 10 years.  I'm going to beat him. I wouldn't be in this if I couldn't beat him.    I'm positive."  And positive he is.  There's nothing in or near his body language that belies an ounce of doubt.  So, I ask him why, aside from his personal experience, is he so confident?

"My dad was a football coach.  He used to say that games are not won on the playing fields of November, but on the practice fields of August.  This isn't just about the Governor's race.  Virginia Democrats are on a roll, and we're building the party at all levels.  Listen, I know you guys at Raising Kaine have your issues with the Governor, but as Democrats, you can't deny that he's done an incredible job building the party; helping candidates get elected, raising money, hiring great people.  He's building the party in every way.  While I've been in the House we've gone from 33 Delegates to 45.  Tim Kaine is a big part of that, and that's something I want to build on."  

"The next step is reaching deep, down ticket, helping local offices and doing more for constitutional offices.  In 2007, Democrats took the county boards in Loudon, Montgomery and Stafford.  That's not by accident.  For example, Stafford was a really close call.  It almost didn't happen, but then you look at the incredible work of Carlos Del Toro's campaign.  He got out the vote and won the Board back for us even though Carlos himself didn't win.  We can run strong everywhere and as governor I'll make sure that happens."

Since he mentioned RK's well-documented rift with Governor Kaine, I press him on energy, in particular coal.  I'm expecting him to mention the fact that he had purchased carbon credits on behalf of the Virginia Delegation to offset the carbon footprint of our visit to Denver.  I mark it as a sense of integrity that he doesn't mention it.  

"I favor a comprehensive energy policy that includes five sources of energy:  coal, nuclear, alternative energy sources, natural gas and conservation.  Make no mistake; conservation is a 5th source.  As they say, 'The most important gallon of gas is the one you don't use'.  That means LEED, green initiatives, retrofitting commercial buildings and creating residential incentives.  There are political realities that you have to face, but there are a lot of things in conservation that are very doable."

"Then there are alternatives: switchgrass, wind, solar, biomass.  A big thing we need to pay attention to are private research credits.  Virginia universities are among the best in the nation, we could attract huge funding for energy research here."

You mean research in alternative energy?  

"That includes alternatives, but also sequestration.  Congressman Boucher is leading on this.  We're sitting on the Saudi Arabia of coal. We can't turn our backs on that.  But Virginia universities and businesses should be the ones figure out how to use it responsibly. We can be smart about it.  The Wise plant will be much cleaner than any other plant in commonwealth, and allow older plants to go offline.  Energy policy needs to be realistic and comprehensive.  Energy is a challenge, but it's also a opportunity."

By this time, we've gone well over the time we'd set, and Moran's staff is nearly frantic.  Moran sits tight.  I ask him what people don't really know about him, and he says he's a finisher.  He never leaves things unfinished.  There's a litany of examples, Community Correction Resource Board, the City Fiscal Affairs Committee, and others.  Moran is very exited incidentally to hear Jim Webb's rising emphasis on reviewing the incarceration process.  "I'm not one to leave a job unfinished, when you make changes, you have to make sure they stick and that you can measure the results.  Elections aren't an end in themselves, they're a means to an end.  Once you get elected, you have to make a real difference, and that means fighting all the way through."  

It took a while, but as I thank Brian Moran for his time, I think I may have gotten to the bottom of why Brian is running.  It has to do with finishing what you start, fighting for the commonwealth and fulfilling your responsibilities.  In short, I think he just might be running for all the right reasons.  

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