NBC29Va. Gov Candidates Visit Charlottesville

Va. Gov Candidates Visit Charlottesville

Hundreds of young Democrats from across the Commonwealth are rallying in Charlottesville this weekend.

The group on Saturday heard from all three Democratic candidates for governor who are courting the youth vote.

"It's exciting,” said Eddie Rozynski, a student at James Madison University. “It just kind of validates what we're doing, hearing from these three important people in the Commonwealth. I'm glad to be a part of it."

Terry McAuliffe, Brian Moran and Creigh Deeds took their message to the party's youngest supporters. Each addressed the Virginia Young Democrats convention at UVA.

"It was the first time I got to see all three of them back-to-back," said Longwood University student Kristen Smith. “You really got a feel what each candidate stood for and how they stood for it."

Each gubernatorial candidate pitched ideas and campaign platforms, mostly focusing on creating jobs in Virginia.

“They want someone who's going to come with big, bold ideas--alternative energy, green jobs, thinking out of the box," McAuliffe said.

The candidates are tailoring their messages to the young political activists who could continue to turn the state blue.

“Investing in education, good college and universities, making sure we have jobs right here in Virginia for young people to work," Moran said.

Governor Tim Kaine and Fifth District Congressman Tom Perriello will address the convention's banquet Saturday night at Charlottesville’s Omni hotel. The Young Democrats will hear from the party's lieutenant governor candidates on Sunday.

Reported by Liz Nagy
See Bio / Email