Just as...

Just as I was rethinking my position on the Virginia lieutenant governor contest and have been increasingly impressed with Jon Bowerbank, he decides to drop out of the race. In recent weeks, his positions and energetic campaign made me wonder if he'd be the strongest candidate. I've known, admired, and personally liked Jody Wagner since I was part of a political class with her many years ago. But, Bowerbank seemed to be hitting the right chords for many Democrats and I'll admit he'd gotten my attention.

In deciding to end his campaign, Bowerbank said he couldn't devote his full energies to the campaign and added:

Now simply wasn’t my time. I resolutely believe, however, that my time will come. In the future I intend to again offer myself for public service. When that time comes I will be prepared to run and to serve.

Bowerbank endorsed Jody Wagner, saying in a written statement:

I have gotten to know Jody well on the campaign trail and believe she would be a great nominee and a great lieutenant governor.

With this development, I enthusiastically endorse Jody Wagner for lieutenant governor of the Commonwealth. She is clearly the best candidate and is well prepared to be lieutenant governor of Virginia. Visit her website and learn more about Jody. Donate a few dollars while you are there.

Petition race

Terry McAuliffe became the first Democratic gubernatorial candidate to file petitions for the June 9 primary. He filed 17,243 signatures with the State Board of Elections yesterday. Jody Wagner filed 17,858 signatures for lieutenant governor. It is a bit of "race" to file first - which should earn McAuliffe and Wagner top spots on the ballot and a bit of publicity this week.

To qualify for the ballot, candidates have to secure at least 10,000 valid signatures of registered voters with at least 400 in each of the state's 11 congressional districts. Some observers think the top spot on the ballot is worth one-half to one percent in the vote - something I personally discount for the top of the ticket with three well known candidates. It may be more valuable to Wagner in the lieutenant governor contest where candidates are not nearly so well known to primary voters.

Later in the day, Brian Moran submitted 16,928 signatures. Creigh Deeds is expected to submit petitions in the next week. Wagner and Jon Bowerbank have been in the lieutenant governor race the longest, giving them an advantage over late entries Pat Edmonson and Michael Signer in the tedious signature gathering process. While both should have their petition drives finished by April 10, it is possible one will not make the deadline. Why am I thinking of  Emmett Hanger?

Savaged by lack of corn

Richard Savage has dropped out the race for the Democratic nomination for Lt. Governor. He cited his inability to raise money, blaming it on the economic downturn. Since the economy is the same for every candidate, the true blame probably rests closer to his coop. Savage's exit leaves the following candidates in a crowded race:

• Jon Bowerbank
• Pat Edmonson
• Michael Signer
• Jody Wagner

The best known are Bowerbank, a Russell Co. businessman and supervisor, and Wagner, a former Secretary of Finance who also ran for Congress. Both have been in the race for months, have visited all regions of the state, and enjoyed modest fundraising success. Wagner, because of her long time political activism and connections in the party, is the frontrunner. Edmonson, a member of the Virginia Beach School Board, entered the race last and has been aggressively sending emails to Democratic activists. Signer is a former gubernatorial aide who, from what I can tell, has made little effort in the Shenandoah Valley.