The Roanoke Times
Will the Republicans nomination of political newcomer and former private equity CEO Glenn Youngkin for governor be a clarifying event for Democrats as they pick their nominee?
Weâll see. If nothing else, it brings into sharp relief the pros and cons of the Democratic front-runner, former Gov. Terry McAuliffe. Letâs take a look at them.
1. McAuliffe can raise
lots of moneyThis has to count in McAuliffeâs âplusâ column for Democrats. Youngkin is easily the wealthiest person ever to run for statewide office in Virginia; his personal fortune has been estimated as high as $367 million. His campaign will not lack for funds. As longtime political analyst Larry Sabato of the University of Virginia has quipped on Twitter, Youngkinâs idea of a fundraising event is lunch with his accountant. Democrats who are concerned about Youngkinâs resources â itâs still unclear how seriously some are taking him â will find solace in McAuliffeâs demonstrated fundraising ability. If thereâs one thing McAuliffe can do, itâs raise money; heâs never been shy about that. His 2013 campaign holds the record for being the most well-funded in Virginia history: $38.5 million compared to $21.1 million for Republican Ken Cuccinelli that year. By contrast, Democrat Ralph Northam raised âonlyâ $36.7 million in his 2017 campaign, to $29.3 million for Republican Ed Gillespie.