VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. – Former Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe (D) endorsed former Vice President Joe BidenJoe BidenHillicon Valley: Biden calls on Facebook to change political speech rules | Dems demand hearings after Georgia election chaos | Microsoft stops selling facial recognition tech to police Trump finalizing executive order calling on police to use ‘force with compassion’ The Hill’s Campaign Report: Biden campaign goes on offensive against Facebook MORE for president on Saturday, days before Virginians vote on Super Tuesday.
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“I’m going to endorse Joe Biden,” McAuliffe, a CNN commentator, said on the network following Biden’s decisive win in the South Carolina primary.
“I’ve thought long and hard about this,” he continued. “To me, it’s an electability issue — who has the best shot of beating Donald TrumpDonald John TrumpSenate advances public lands bill in late-night vote Warren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Esper orders ‘After Action Review’ of National Guard’s role in protests MORE.”
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“I want someone who’s going to protect ObamaCare,” he said. “I think Joe Biden has the best chance of winning Virginia in the general election. You can’t sit on the sidelines, so I’m going to go all-in for Joe Biden.”
McAuliffe also cited Biden’s potential positive impact on down-ballot races as a reason for supporting the former vice president in the primary.
“I worry in Virginia. We’ve got two new [House] members, Abigail SpanbergerAbigail Davis SpanbergerGun control group rolls out House endorsements The Hill’s Campaign Report: DOJ, intel to be major issues in 2020 Human Rights Campaign rolls out congressional endorsements on Equality Act anniversary MORE and Elaine LuriaElaine Goodman LuriaGun control group rolls out House endorsements The Hill’s Campaign Report: DOJ, intel to be major issues in 2020 House GOP lawmaker breaks with party to back proxy voting MORE, in very tough districts,” he said. “Joe Biden will be the best person at the top of the ticket to make sure we keep those seats.”
McAuliffe’s endorsement comes after Biden scored another notable endorsement from the state’s Sen. Tim KaineTimothy (Tim) Michael KaineWarren, Democrats urge Trump to back down from veto threat over changing Confederate-named bases Senate panel passes amendment to bar using troops against protesters Defense bill turns into proxy battle over Floyd protests MORE’s (D) on Friday.
The former Virginia governor will join Biden in Norfolk, Va., on Sunday.
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Virginians will vote in the state’s Democratic primary on Tuesday where 99 pledged delegates are at stake.
Recent polling shows Biden with newfound momentum in the commonwealth. A Wason Center poll released Friday showed Biden leading the Democratic field in the state with 22 percent support. Sen. Bernie SandersBernie SandersThe Hill’s 12:30 Report: Milley apologizes for church photo-op Harris grapples with defund the police movement amid veep talk Biden courts younger voters — who have been a weakness MORE (I-Vt.) trailed with 17 percent support, while former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg came in at 13 percent.
Sanders and Bloomberg have also made plays in Virginia ahead of Super Tuesday. Bloomberg visited McLean, Va., on Saturday, while Sanders held a rally in the state on Thursday and two on Saturday.