Democratic Candidates Seek Voter Input

Someone is trying to recruit women in Northern Virginia to participate in a focus group about next year's race for governor.

People are being called and offered $75 to participate in the focus group. In screening potential participants, the caller is asking a series of questions about former Democratic National Committee Chairman Terry McAuliffe, who set up a political committee this week as he explores whether to seek the Democratic nomination for governor.

Meanwhile, another Democratic candidate for governor, state Sen. R. Creigh Deeds (Bath), will be hosting a conference call with "supporters and friends" tomorrow evening to begin plotting strategy for next year.

The people on the conference call will become "an informal group of advisers" for Deeds' campaign, according to an email advertising the call.