Former President Clinton and one-time gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe on Tuesday tried to reignite the energy of Creigh Deeds' primary win, when Democrats were riding high after the rural state senator's come-from-behind victory in June.The gubernatorial nomination fight saw Deeds dispatch both McAuliffe and Del. Brian Moran, taking nearly 50 percent of the vote in June. A poll taken directly after the primary was the only one in the governor's race to show Deeds ahead of Republican nominee Bob McDonnell, who is entering the last two weeks of the race with a comfortable lead.
McAuliffe, speaking before a crowd at his former Tysons Corner campaign office, said Deeds is poised to mount the "greatest comeback in the history of America politics."
The former Democratic National Committee chairman and Clinton fundraiser was widely viewed as the favorite over Deeds and Moran going into the primary.
"From a man who knows from experience, don't pay any attention to the polls," McAuliffe said. "Only one poll matters and that is on the evening of November 3 when Creigh Deeds is elected the next governor."
Clinton said he was at the event for three reasons: Because he tried to help McAuliffe beat Deeds, and failed; because he respects candidates "who win and win fair and square;" and because "I'm a lifelong Democrat and I like this guy."
Deeds himself made frequent mention of his recent Washington Post endorsement, based largely on a transportation proposal that might include a tax increase. The newspaper's backing during the gubernatorial primary was considered integral to his 11th-hour comeback.
Since Deeds won his party's nod, his campaign has been struck by sinking poll numbers and several setbacks. His attack on McDonnell's social record appeared to be gaining traction last month, but the Republican shortly after regained his substantial lead. Democratic leaders -- including Gov. Tim Kaine -- have openly urged Deeds to make a more assertive case for his own candidacy.