RICHMOND, Va. -- Former Democratic National Committee chairman Terry McAuliffe signed papers Monday necessary to run for governor in Virginia next year.
McAuliffe told The Associated Press he set up a campaign committee and will tour Virginia for the next 60 days before making his candidacy certain.
He also said he would be announcing political advisers over the next week.
McAuliffe just finished a series of barnstorming campaign appearances across the state on behalf of Barack Obama's presidential campaign. In each, he rallied local party activists and volunteers for Obama and the Democratic ticket.
He said he won't formally announce a decision until Jan. 7, but neither his tone or nor his words were those of an undecided candidate.
"I think I can make a difference. I think I can go out and fight for people. I think I can create jobs. I think I can take this state in a new direction, and the thing I'd like to do, too, is to come out with some big, bold ideas. I think that's what this state has to hear," McAuliffe said in the interview.
McAuliffe would face two other Democrats who have been active for nearly a year in an already contentious nomination fight to succeed Democratic Gov. Timothy M. Kaine. State Sen. Creigh Deeds narrowly lost the attorney general's race in 2005, and House Democratic Caucus chairman Brian Moran is also in the race.
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"I think Brian and Creigh are terrific. They have been great legislators. I would bring something different," McAuliffe said.
