Ms. Woodruff has covered politics and other news for more than three decades at CNN, NBC and PBS. She regularly co-anchors “PBS NewsHour,” a program she rejoined in 2007. Previously she worked at CNN for 12 years, during which time she anchored the weekday “Inside Politics” program. Woodruff served as chief Washington correspondent for PBS “NewsHour” and for NBC’s “Today Show."
The award-winning broadcast journalist also appears monthly on the Bloomberg Television program “Conversations with Judy Woodruff.”
“We’re absolutely thrilled to have the co-anchor of ‘PBS NewsHour’ – and someone with Judy Woodruff’s experience in political coverage – as our moderator,” VBA President Tom Bagby said. “This debate is likely to receive national attention and certainly will be one to attend.”
Woodruff’s appearance as moderator for the 2013 VBA debate follows that of CNN chief political correspondent Candy Crowley. Crowley took The Homestead stage last July with U.S. Senate candidates Tim Kaine and George Allen. Not long after that, Crowley became only the second woman to moderate a presidential debate, and the first woman to do so in 20 years.
Polls of the 2013 Virginia governor’s race show Republican Cuccinelli and Democrat McAuliffe closely matched in voters’ minds several months ahead of Election Day. A sizable percentage of adults have not decided who will get their vote. Pundits have dubbed the match-up one of two marquee gubernatorial races in the nation this year.
By sponsoring debates and inviting news media coverage, the nonpartisan VBA seeks to educate the public and its members about candidates’ views, and to stimulate voter interest and participation in the election process.
Founded in 1888, the VBA (www.vba.org) is the state’s oldest and largest voluntary organization of lawyers, judges and legal educators. As the independent voice of the Virginia lawyer, it advances the highest ideals of the profession through advocacy and volunteer service.
