Former House GOP leader endorses McAuliffe in new TV ad

A 40-year member of the House GOP caucus is endorsing Democrat Terry McAuliffe for governor in a new TV ad airing statewide.

“I served in the House of Delegates for 40 years, the longest a Republican has ever served and I worked with 11 governors from both parties,” said former House Finance Committee chair Vince Callahan, who served in the General Assembly from 1968-2008.

“We need someone to oversee our state who is committed to keeping Virginia on the right track. That’s why I cannot support Ken Cuccinelli. I want an independent governor who focuses on jobs and works with everyone to do what’s best for Virginia. That’s why I’m backing Terry McAuliffe,” Callahan said in the ad.

Callahan was a moderate Republican with a legislative record that included a bill to ban stem-cell research, another to restrict the death penalty and a third bill to increase the minimum wage in Virginia.

His Northern Virginia House of Delegates seat was targeted by Democrats in the 2007 election cycle, prompting his retirement. He endorsed his former legislative aide for the seat, but Democrat Margaret Vanderhye won the 2007 election.

“Del. Callahan and leaders of both parties know that Terry is the only candidate who will work with Republicans and Democrats to find mainstream solutions to creating jobs and growing Virginia’s economy,” said McAuliffe spokesperson Josh Schwerin. “While Ken Cuccinelli is focused on his own extreme Tea Party agenda, Terry is focused on issues that will benefit all Virginians and make Virginia a better place to live and work.”