McAuliffe Defeat Is Another Blow To Clinton Legacy [View All]

By BETH FOUHY, Associated Press Writer

Thursday, June 11, 2009

(06-11) 12:15 PDT New York (AP) --

Terry McAuliffe's crushing defeat in Virginia's gubernatorial primary is the latest blow to former President Bill Clinton's political legacy, still reeling from Hillary Rodham Clinton's loss to Barack Obama in last year's Democratic presidential contest.

McAuliffe, a longtime fundraiser and close friend of both Clintons, brought money and attention to an off-year election that otherwise would have commanded little notice outside Virginia. Bill Clinton appeared at five rallies across the state for McAuliffe, lent his voice to radio commercials and recorded telephone endorsements to help get out the vote. Clinton also attended a fundraiser at McAuliffe's northern Virginia home.

McAuliffe raised about $7 million for the campaign, nearly double what primary winner Creigh Deeds brought in, and led state polls throughout much of the race even though he was a first-time candidate and newcomer to Virginia politics. But Deeds still won decisively, also beating former state delegate Brian Moran, and will face Republican Bob McDonnell in the fall.

The sheer scope of Deeds' victory — he won nearly 50 percent of the primary vote and carried 10 of the state's 11 congressional districts — made one thing breathtakingly clear: The Clinton star power doesn't necessarily translate into votes.

"I'm not sure I'd say the Clintons' influence is over — Hillary is still secretary of state and former President Clinton certainly still has cachet. But this primary does tarnish it to some extent," said Harry Wilson, a political science professor at Virginia's Roanoke College.

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AP: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/06/11/national/a002028D00.DTL