Former Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe is following
through on a promise made in the spring to raise money for Democratic candidates
for the House of Delegates, yesterday hosting a barbecue at his McLean home for
House caucus chair Ken Plum's political action committee.
It may not be the millions he was rumored to have pledged to candidates if he
were the nominee -- though Del. Plum insists the two had never talked numbers --
but Plum said the event netted about $100,000 for his Invest in Virginia
committee. That's a pretty sizable figure given that Plum, who had endorsed
McAuliffe, says the fund likely will raise $400,000 to $500,000 total this
campaign season. And Plum said most attendees at the event were friends of
McAuliffe who might not have given to the PAC otherwise.
"I never had an expectation he would necessarily do anything if he didn't get
the nomination, so I'm very appreciative," Plum said. "I think he still has the
potential for being a force in Virginia politics to keep us looking ahead and
being progressive and working hard."