Moran Camp Needles McAuliffe Over Fundraiser

Brian Moran's campaign is stepping up its efforts to draw contrasts with Terry McAuliffe, who is also a Democratic candidate for governor.

In a fundraising appeal sent out today, Moran strategist Mame Reiley jabbed McAuliffe for holding a fundraiser last week in New York. The email was titled "Park Avenue vs. Virginia."

"Last week, Terry McAuliffe was up on Wall Street at a glitzy Park Avenue location, collecting money while Brian Moran was announcing the boldest environmental plan of any candidate," Reiley wrote. "Yesterday, McAuliffe announced he's spending that Wall Street money on high-priced TV ads in Virginia."

According to the Virginia Public Access Project, McAuliffe raised $216,000 in 2008 from the finance and insurance industry but that does not include the donations he received last week in New York. Moran raised $139,000 from the finance and insurance industry last year.

In her email, Reiley cast Moran as the "true progressive in this race," noting last week he came out against a new coal-fired power plant in Surry County.

"His opponents in the primary can't match his commitment to progressive ideals so they're left trying to muddy the waters with campaigns aimed at the pundits," Reiley wrote. "Please join Brian and stand up for progressive leadership for Virginia's future. Contribute today."

Lis Smith, a McAuliffe spokesman, sought to position her boss above the fray.

"We know that Brian and Creigh are both good Democrats and that they both understand that Virginians aren't interested in the old way of campaigning," Smith said. "That's why Terry is staying focused on important issues like getting the economy back on track. We look forward to a discussion about these issues in the coming months."