Bowerbank quits Democratic contest for lieutenant governor, backs Jody Wagner

Russell County businessman Jon Bowerbank is quitting the Democratic contest for lieutenant governor and backing former Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner for the nomination.

This would appear to be a big boost for Wagner, a lawyer-businesswoman from Virginia Beach. Her remaining opponent is a little known, late entry -- Mike Signer, a former gubernatorial aide from Northern Virginia.

In a written statement this afternoon, Bowerbank said his responsibilities to his business and his family prevent him from pressing on to the June 9 primary in which Democrats also choose their candidate for governor.

"I have, therefore, reached a decision to suspend my campaign and to throw my full and unqualified endorsement behind the candidacy of Jody Wagner," said Bowerbank.

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

Bowerbank, who said he may try again for state office, pumped nearly $1 million of his own into the campaign. Unspent contributions will be returned to donors, said Bowerbank, adding, "Now simply wasn't my time. I resolutely believe, however, that my time will come."

Wagner, reached on her mobile telephone while heading to an appearance in Arlington County, welcomed Bowerbank's endorsement and praised him for his commitment to economic development, particularly in his home base, Southwest Virginia.

"I'm very complimented that Jon is endorsing me," said Wagner, who hopes to take on Republican Bill Bolling.

Bolling is the current lieutenant governor and is seeking a second term.

Wagner, citing Bolling's opposition to tax-supported efforts to improve education, transportation and other public services, said, "He's been more of a candidate to say 'no' to programs, rather than a candidate of solutions." -- Jeff E. Schapiro