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Check out the statewide news coverage of Mike's tour around the state: 

Candidate tours Red Birch, backs new green jobs
Kim Barto, Martinsville Bulletin, June 7, 2009

Lieutenant Governor Candidate: Michael Signer
Daily Press, June 7, 2009

Signer, Wagner vie for lieutenant governor nomination
Jim Nolan, Richmond Times-Dispatch, June 6, 2009

Democrats take shots at Bolling ahead of primary
Dena Potter, Associated Press, June 6, 2009

Lt. gov. hopeful Signer visits Valley
Bob Stuart, News Virginian, June 6, 2009

Signer Woos Primary Votes   
Jeff Mellott, Daily News Record, June 6, 2009

Candidates Focus on Economy: Signer and Wagner Tout Ideas for Brining Jobs to State
Michael Laris, Washington Post, June 4, 2009

Lt. governor hopeful Michael Signer makes stop in Lynchburg
Carrie J. Sidner,  Lynchburg News Advance,  June 4, 2009

Lt. Governor Candidate Confident Of His Nomination
David McGee, Bristol Herald Courier, June 4, 2009

Mike Signer spends afternoon with supporters in Campbell County
WDBJ-TV7, June 3, 2009

Signer’s Tour of Va. Begins in Bristol as Campaign Nears End
David McGee, Bristol Herald Courier, June 3, 2009
 

Exciting news! General Wesley Clark (US Army, ret.) has endorsed Mike Signer for Lieutenant Governor.

“I know Mike from my 2004 presidential campaign in Virginia and his work on national security issues.  Mike Signer has the strength and leadership that Virginia needs and I wholeheartedly endorse his candidacy for Lieutenant Governor,” said General Clark.

“The problems facing Virginia and this country are so urgent, that they demand strong, courageous leadership to carry us forward. Mike sees the office of Lieutenant Governor as more than just a placeholder position, but rather an opportunity to seek progress on the most pressing issues.  Mike is focused on the future of Virginia, not the past.  His approach to the office and his leadership on every issue from jobs and the economy to veterans issues and moves to the strengthen our democracy make Mike the clear choice on June 9th.”   

“General Clark has served his country bravely and tirelessly," said Mike Signer.  "General Clark is a model citizen, exemplary public servant, and beacon of honor.  I am honored to have his endorsement.  As Lieutenant Governor, I will be a public advocate for working Virginians and shine a spotlight on problems we’ve ignored for too long.”

General Wesley Clark (US Army, ret.) was a four star general in the U.S. Army and NATO Supreme Allied Commander, Europe.  He was a 2004 presidential candidate for the Democratic nomination. 
 

Carrie Sidener, of the Lynchburg News Advance, came to the Lynchburg for Signer BBQ and Rally yesterday. Here are some excerpts from her article:

The smell of home-cooked barbecue and conversation among friends wafted around the covered pavilion Wednesday as several residents from Campbell and Appomattox counties waited to hear what a Democratic candidate for Virginia’s lieutenant governor had to say.

Michael Signer stopped at the Lyn-Dan Heights Ruritan Club as part of an across-the-state tour to garner support in the last few days before the primary. The candidate is making stops in Wise, Bristol, Charlottesville, Roanoke, Danville, Martinsville, Alexandria and other cities. . . .

Carter Elliott, co-chair of the Campbell County Democratic Committee, said he has been planning the barbecue since Saturday. He commended Signer for visiting during the final leg of the race and encouraged supporters to grab campaign signs for their yards.

The 36-year-old national security expert from Arlington County said the position should be an advocate for Virginians, rather than simply the person who presides over the state Senate and breaks ties. . . .

Signer, who helped lead Rep. Tom Perriello’s successful campaign against incumbent Virgil Goode in the 5th District in November, said his platform is to bring jobs back to rural Virginia.

“I’ve always felt that any candidate worth his salt will answer two questions well — why are you running and what will you do?” he said. “I am running because I believe in activism. … I believe that of those blessed with education, opportunities and resources, much is expected and demanded.”

Signer said his main goal is to create jobs throughout the state, and said his plans could create some 50,000 jobs by 2011.

He also wants to help Virginia homes become more energy efficient through weatherization with a goal of saving some 20 percent of energy consumption per person in the state by 2025.

He’s served as a deputy counselor for Mark Warner and senior strategist for Perriello during his campaign against Goode last fall.

“When I look at Bill Bolling, if I squint he looks like Virgil Goode,” Signer said. “He’s vulnerable for many of the same reasons. … We have better ideas. All of the votes they think they can take for granted are ours. I will fight with a smile on my face and a fire in my belly.”

For the full article, visit here at the News and Advance.

David McGee of the Bristol Herald-Courier came to the Bristol for Signer Breakfast yesterday morning.  Here are some excerpts from the article that ran in the paper today:

Signer, an Arlington attorney and former adviser to Gov. Mark Warner, is seeking the Democratic nomination to run for lieutenant governor. With less than a week before Tuesday’s Democratic primary, Signer kicked off a three-day, 15-city trek Wednesday with a visit to the Twin City. . . .

Signer said his campaign is focusing on motivating Democratic activists who will, in turn, prompt others to vote Tuesday.

His platform includes a focus on creating jobs, improving the environment by reducing energy consumption and cultivating renewable sources, and improving services for military veterans.

“I really want to make it my job to advance the beliefs of ordinary people in a government that is failing them every day,” Signer said. “Ordinary people don’t have anybody fighting for them and thinking about them every day.” . . .

He flew out of Richmond at 5:30 a.m. Wednesday for the first of five stops. After Bristol, the campaign visited Wise County, Lynchburg and Charlottesville before a late event in Arlington, Campaign Manager Christian Rickers said.

“We’ll be doing that right until the final day,” Rickers said.

According to recent polling, 62 percent of respondents still haven’t decided which candidate to vote for in the lieutenant governor’s race, Rickers said.

Ed Harlow, of Bristol, Va., said Wednesday his mind is made up.

“I think both of them are extremely impressive,” Harlow said. “It was a hard decision, but I feel like he has a better chance of winning. I like his background, education and drive. And I plan to vote for him and support him.”

For the full story, visit here at the Boston Herald Courier.

Mike was endorsed today by the Richmond and Hampton Roads Voice Newspapers. Here's what they had to say about Mike: 

    "The frustration over the disenfranchisement of felons is something McAuliffe shares with our pick for lieutenant governor, A. Michael Signer.
    Signer, like McAuliffe, is a first time candidate for public office. He most recently was director of the Homeland Security Presidential Transition Initiative, a joint project of Third Way and the Center for American Progress. Just 35, Signer holds a Ph.D in political science from U.C., Berkeley, a J.D. from the University of Virginia, and a B.A., from Princeton University.  He is an adjunct instructor at Virginia Tech, and has served as the legislative aide to Deeds as well as a stint as deputy counselor to former Gov. Warner.
    We endorse McAuliffe and Signer because they give us the best opportunity to defeat McDonnell and current Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, who are both stuck in the extreme right of the Republican Party, which continues to alienate millions of moderate Americans with its divisive ideology."

For the full text of the editorial, check out pg. 6 of The Voice.

We have one week left until people go to the polls for the primary on June 9. Starting Wednesday, June 3, Mike will be touring around the state as a part of the "Countdown to Victory: A Barnstorm Tour."

Wednesday, June 3 - Bristol, Wise, Lynchburg and Charlottesville

Thursday, June 4 - Alexandria

Friday, June 5 - Winchester, Harrisonburg and Staunton

Saturday, June 6 - Roanoke, Martinsville, Danville and Chesapeake

Sunday, June 7 - Williamsburg and South Hill

Monday, June 8 - Newport News

Check back often for more details on the events during this last week before the primary and for updates from the road.

Following the announcement of Leslie Byrne's endorsement, Richmond blogger F.T. Rea caught up with Mike at the Richmond HQ to discuss the campaign. Below is an excerpt from F.T. Rea's article on Richmond.com.

OK, why lieutenant governor?

"It’s about viewing this seat as more than just a place-holder, or a stepping stone," Signer said about why he chose to get in the race. "And, viewing it as a public advocate ... I’m running because I believe in activism."

What does Signer think most separates him from his opponent in the primary?

"We need a strong, no-apologies Democrat, who wants to win because of the principles of social justice and economic fairness," said Signer. "We need someone with the fire in the belly to take on and defeat Bill Bolling in the fall."

In 2008 Signer served as an adviser on veteran’s issues and national security matters to President Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. And, he was Rep. Tom Perriello’s senior strategist for the stunning defeat Perriello handed former Rep. Virgil Goode.

Without apology, Signer tossed off a line that must play well at Democratic gatherings: "I think when you look at Bill Bolling, if you squint just a little bit, he looks exactly like Virgil Goode."

Neither is Signer apologizing for what Republicans will surely call his "pro-union stance."

"My grandparents were in unions," said Signer. "My parents were in unions. Unions helped build the middle class in this country; I don’t think there’s any question about that."

There was a time in Virginia when suggesting there was any good at all to the union movement would have been considered as a mistake. Signer is gambling that time has passed. Considering that Virginia now has a Catholic governor, who personally opposes the death penalty, he may be right.

As he has traveled during the campaign, Signer said jobs and the economy are what people ask him about the most. Considering how well Sen. Jim Webb’s pro-worker, pro-veteran stances have gone over in the last two years, Signer was clearly delighted to have a chance to say, "I’m a Jim Webb Democrat."

Veterans issues are of particular interest to Signer, but his passion for one particular issue stood out. He is championing the cause to restore the voting rights of convicted felons, upon their release. 

"We’re the only state, along with Kentucky, that has this policy, where even after you’ve paid your debt, you lose your right to vote for your life."

In choosing the restoration of voting rights as an issue to raise in a campaign, Signer is hardly jumping on any deluxe bandwagon. It’s not an issue that is high on the radar for fat cats and king makers. So, the easiest explanation for his determination on this front is that he is sincere about it.

Signer characterized the Virginia law, as is, as something leftover from the "Jim Crow Era."

Like Webb, Signer is an author. Signer’s first book, "Demagogue: The Fight to Save Democracy from its Worst Enemies," came out in February of this year.

For the full article, check out: http://www2.richmond.com/content/2009/may/27/im-jim-webb-democrat/