Old Dominion News

In what is sure to be a contentious and heated race for the governorship of Virginia, Democratic candidate Terry McAuliffe has made it a clear priority to attack the past of Republican candidate Glenn Youngkin, specifically for the endorsement that he received from embattled former President Donald Trump. Though McAuliffe is hoping to capitalize on Youngkin's past ties to Trump, voters are discovering that McAuliffe has his own past ties to the controversial former president. 

McAuliffe has, on several occasions, had friendly interactions with Trump, ranging from golfing trips with Trump to receiving a $25,000 donation check from him for his 2009 campaign for governor. Additionally, McAuliffe sent Trump a warm congratulations the day after Trump was elected president. 

The back-and-forth regarding past Trump ties was sparked when McAuliffe released a digital ad that claimed Glenn Youngkin was "honored" to receive an endorsement from the former president. However, voters are pointing out that McAuliffe has his fair share of interactions with Trump. 

The Washington Post cites that during McAuliffe’s WTOP “Ask the Governor” program, he said he was upbeat about working with Trump and mentioned that he had dinner and golf with Trump: “I have known Donald Trump for 20 years, had dinner with him, golfed with him,” McAuliffe said. “When I ran [for governor] in ’09, he actually wrote me a $25,000 check. So I look forward to a productive relationship.”

Trump isn't McAuliffe's only big-money connection. The candidate has been connected in the past with several high-profile friends. The New York Times notes that the former Virginia governor "moves in the rarefied atmosphere of big money and celebrity" that included Trump, Clinton and director Stephen Spielberg.

The detailed examination into the history of the two candidates is likely to continue as the election draws near.