Obama stumps for Deeds in Virginia

MCLEAN, Va., Aug. 6 (UPI) -- U.S. President Barack Obama traveled to Virginia Thursday to urge voters to support state Sen. Creigh Deeds, the Democratic candidate for governor.

Obama, the first Democratic presidential nominee in 40 years to win Virginia's electoral votes, met with campaign donors before addressing an audience estimated at several thousand, The Washington Post reported. He commended Gov. Tim Kaine for what he called the outgoing governor's accomplishments during tough times and said Deeds "has the opportunity to continue that tradition."

"I know he is the right person for Virginia, and you know it, too," Obama told his audience in McLean, Va.,

The president acknowledged Deeds trails the Republican nominee, Virginia Attorney General Bob McDonnell, in public opinion polls.

"This is going to be a tough race," the president said.

McDonnell beat Deeds four years in the race for attorney general. The Virginia general election is scheduled for Nov. 3.