Bowerbank calls it quits; endorses Wagner

Major shake-up in the Democratic primary for lieutenant governor. Jon Bowerbank, who’s self-funded candidacy never really gained traction, ended his campaign today and has endorsed Math-goddess Jody Wagner. Here’s the straight scoop from the Wagner camp:

BOWERBANK ENDORSES WAGNER

RICHMOND – Today former Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner thanked Jon Bowerbank for his support. On Friday, Bowerbank ended his candidacy for Lt. Governor and endorsed Wagner, saying “I have…reached a decision to suspend my campaign and to throw my full and unqualified endorsement behind the candidacy of Jody Wagner. I have gotten to know Jody well on the campaign trail and believe she would be a great nominee and a great Lieutenant Governor”

Wagner released the following statement: “I want to sincerely thank Jon for his support. Since I entered this race last August, Jon and I have shared a commitment to addressing the critical issues that face the Commonwealth. Jon has been a tireless advocate for creating new jobs, expanding the economy, and strengthening our public education system. I have great respect for his experience in starting and growing a business in Virginia – a background we share, and one that will be critical in helping to turn our state into a leader in the industries of the future, such as renewable energy production. I look forward to campaigning alongside Jon in the coming weeks and months, and I know the Democratic Party of Virginia is fortunate to have his leadership.”

Mike Signer remains in the race. “Thanks to Jon Bowerbank for a hard-fought race-looking forward to a 2-way race with Jody, winning the nomination, and defeating Bolling …,” he tweeted.

Instant analysis from TC:

Wagner soaked up the establishment support and Mike Signer has set the netroots on fire. As such, while Bowerbanks’s endorsement solidifies Wagner as the front-runner, there’s still a lot of undecideds who are just now tuning into the race, and a lot of oxygen in the room for Mike Signer to breath.

Oh…and did I mention that Virginia revenue projections are off again? Whew…former Sec. Finance Wagner sure was spot on!

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JR Hoeft

Conservative to the core; liberal with his opinion! J.R. has been involved in politics for over a decade and has worked on several campaigns in Hampton Roads. He has served on the Executive Committee of the Republican Party of Chesapeake and the Central Committee of the Republican Party of Virginia. He is also the director of “Blogs United” in Virginia. E-mail J.R.. Follow J.R. on Twitter.