McAuliffe's Endorsement List Shortens

Last month, gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe unveiled a list of 14 party activists from across the state who endorsed him in the Democratic primary.

But at least one of them never did.

Anita Hartke, chairwoman of Culpeper County Democratic Committee and candidate for Congress last year, said in an interview that she did not endorse McAuliffe over rivals R. Creigh Deeds and Brian Moran. Hartke, whose father was a U.S. senator from Indiana, said she will not endorse any candidate in the June 9 primary.

"I believe we have three outstanding leaders with vision and drive running for governor in Virginia,'' she said.

"We believed that Anita had endorsed Terry, but are happy to hear that she is supporting all three Democratic candidates for governor,'' McAuliffe spokeswoman Elisabeth Smith said. "Like Anita, we believe the Democrats need a strong and unified effort in November."

Hartke said she invited all three candidate to the Raven's Nest coffee shop in downtown Culpeper to meet with local Democrats about the race.

McAuliffe attended in January. Moran in February. Deeds in March.

She hopes all three men will return for a joint event March 26.