From the McAuliffe for Governor campaign…very interesting (note: Larry Sabato tweets that this is “stunning,” noting “VA Beach is a critical swing locality & Sessoms is a real power there. That’s a BIG defection from Cuccinelli.”
MEDIA ADVISORY: Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms To Endorse McAuliffe for Governor
Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, the Republican mayor of Virginia’s largest city, will endorse Terry McAuliffe for governor tomorrow. This is the first time Sessoms has endorsed a Democrat for governor in his more than 20 years in public service in Virginia Beach.
“Terry McAuliffe’s focus on diversifying and growing Virginia’s economy will help foster economic growth in Virginia Beach, and help Hampton Roads to become a greater center of commerce in the Commonwealth, and I am proud to give him my full support,” said Sessoms. “Terry’s commitment to supporting investments in transportation and education here in Hampton Roads will make our communities stronger and prepare our workforce for the innovative jobs of the 21st Century.”
Sessoms’ endorsement marks the sixth out of the seven mayors in Hampton Roads to endorse McAuliffe. McAuliffe has also been endorsed by Mayor Paul Fraim of Norfolk, Mayor Molly Ward of Hampton, Mayor McKinley Price of Newport News, Mayor Kenny Wright of Portsmouth, and Mayor Linda Johnson of Suffolk.
Sessoms will announce his endorsement Tuesday while touring the Virginia Beach Advanced Technology Center with McAuliffe and Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim. The support for McAuliffe by both mayors Sessoms and Fraim signifies a major step in bringing the region together to foster economic growth, innovation, and job creation. McAuliffe will also release his economic development plan for Hampton Roads on Tuesday.
DETAILS
WHO: Terry McAuliffe, Virginia Beach Mayor Will Sessoms, Norfolk Mayor Paul Fraim
WHAT: McAuliffe, Sessoms, and Fraim will tour the Virginia Beach Advanced Technology Center, where Sessoms will announce his support of McAuliffe for governor.
WHEN: Tuesday, September 17, 2013, at 11:00 AM
WHERE: Virginia Beach Advanced Technology Center, 1800 College Crescent Virginia Beach, VA 23453