By Greg Giroux, CQ Staff

Brian Moran

Brian Moran (Getty Images)

• Background: Moran, 49, represented parts of Alexandria and Fairfax County in the Virginia House of Delegates for nearly 13 years, resigning in December 2008 to run for governor full-time. He previously was a prosecutor in Arlington County. The youngest of seven children, Moran’s oldest brother is Rep. James P. Moran , who represents Virginia’s 8th District in and around Arlington and Alexandria.

• Strengths: A political base in populous northern Virginia, which has a large concentration of Democratic votes. Traveled the state extensively as a Democratic leader and has collected hundreds of endorsements from local officeholders and party leaders.

• Weaknesses: He is probably the most liberal of the three Democratic candidates, which could be problematic in a general election in swing-state Virginia.

• Money: $3.8 million raised, $3.1 million spent, $707,000 left to spend as of May 27. Moran has received $175,000 from his brother’s congressional committee.

• Notable Endorsements: his brother, Rep. James P. Moran; numerous local officials, including Richmond mayor Dwight Jones and House Minority Leader Ward Armstrong.

• Zingers: “Will we be the party dominated by big money and those who raise it, or will we be the party of the people?” (Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, February 7)

“Terry (McAuliffe), I don’t have time to teach you the legislative process, nor do Virginians have time for you to learn.” (Candidate debate, May 19)