Terry McAuliffe Announces Bid for Governor

Terry McAuliffe announced Thursday he intends to run for governor of Virginia in 2013, according to Politico.

McAuliffe, the former DNC chairman and co-chair of Bill Clinton's 1996 re-election campaign, wrote in an email to supporters on Thursday:

"I realize that after any election some people’s immediate question is about the next campaign. I want to be straightforward with you: I plan on running for Governor of Virginia in 2013.

Over the past four years, I’ve traveled to every corner of Virginia for over 2,400 meetings and events. It is absolutely clear to me that Virginians want their next Governor to focus on job creation and common sense fiscal responsibility instead of divisive partisan issues. If we want Virginia to be the best place for business, we need leaders who prioritize economic growth and move beyond the political issues that are designed to divide us."

A full copy of the email is published on Politico.

Unless another Democrat enters the race, McAuliffe would face either GOP Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli or Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling in the November 5, 2013 gubernatorial election.

Incumbent governor Bob McDonnell (R) is not eligible to run due to term limits in Virginia's constitution.

For more about Terry McAuliffe, read:

McAuliffe: 'We Will Run As One'

Virginia Democrats Prepare to 'Guard the Change'

What Is Terry McAuliffe Up To?

McAuliffe Likely to Announce Gubernatorial Bid After November Election

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