Deeds Picks Up Endorsements in Moran's Backyard

By Anita Kumar
Washington Post Virginia Politics Blog
June 30, 2008

Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (D-Bath) will pick up law enforcement endorsements for his 2009 gubernatorial campaign tonight in Northern Virginia - the home of his rival for the Democratic nomination, Del. Brian J. Moran of Alexandria, a former prosecutor.

Tonight's event is likely to be a boost for Deeds, who narrowly lost his bid for statewide office in 2005 and is already well known around the state. If Deeds can secure the Northern Virginia vote, he would be heavily favored to win the nomination.

The event at the Fairfax County Police Association Hall will include Sen. J. Chapman "Chap" Petersen (D-Fairfax), Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorney Paul Ebert, Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Ray Morrogh and former Fairfax County Commonwealth's Attorney Bob Horan.

"Creigh Deeds has the judgment, integrity and vision to continue the Warner-Kaine brand of leadership as our next governor," said Marshall Thielen, president of the Fairfax Coalition of Police. "Throughout his career in public service he has demonstrated an unqualified commitment to keeping Virginia safe and to ensuring law enforcement has the tools and training we need to do our jobs."

The event is sponsored by the Fairfax Coalition of Police and the Fairfax Deputy Sheriff's Coalition -- both affiliated with AFL-CIO and the International Union of Police Associations (I.U.P.A.) -- who together represent more than 1,200 Fairfax County law enforcement professionals.

"When Fairfax County police officers and deputy sheriffs have needed support at the state capitol, we've always been able to turn to Senator Deeds," said Kevin J. Pittman, President of the Fairfax Deputy Sheriff's Coalition. "As a former Commonwealth's Attorney, he understands the pressure we are under every day to protect our communities and Deeds has used that experience to pass meaningful new laws to keep Virginia safe and secure."