RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Former Virginia Congressman Tom Perriello will not run for Governor of Virginia in 2013, according to reports by political blog Blue Virginiaand the Washington Post.
“I have considered a run for Governor, and am genuinely touched by the outpouring of support,” Perriello said in a statement posted on Blue Virginia. “I do not feel called to serve in elected office at this time, but I do not need to have my name on the ballot to be part of the fight.”
Perriello, a Democrat, represented Virginia’s 5th district in Congress from 2009 – 2011. He is currently president and CEO of Center for American Progress Action Fund and Counselor for Policy to the Center for American Progress.
So far, only businessman and Democratic Party advisor Terry McAuliffe has announced plans to seek the party’s nomination for the 2013 governor’s race.
In a statement released Tuesday, McAuliffe praised Perriello.
“Tom Perriello has been a courageous and principled fighter for progressive values and one of our party’s best spokesmen on issues of economic fairness,” McAuliffe said. “Virginia is extremely lucky to have a leader of Tom’s character and conviction and I look forward to working with him on mainstream solutions for job creation and common sense fiscal responsibility.”
Earlier this month Lt. Governor Bill Bolling announced he would not seek the Republican Party’s nomination. Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli is seeking the GOP nomination.
