Savage drops out of Democratic race for lieutenant governor

The recession is culling the field for the Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor.

Rich Savage, a Richmond political consultant, announced yesterday that he is quitting the race after three months because he can't raise enough money.

"The worsening economic downturn presents too great a financial hurdle for my campaign to overcome," he said in a written statement.

In an interview, Savage said that without sufficient funding, he can't assemble a grass-roots organization for the June 9 primary.

He estimated that he has raised about $100,000 in cash and services.

Savage's withdrawal leaves four candidates: former Secretary of Finance Jody Wagner, Russell County businessman Jon Bowerbank, Mike Signer, a former gubernatorial aide, and Pat Edmonson, a member of the Virginia Beach School Board.

Except for Wagner, the Democratic candidates are largely unknown.

Wagner ran unsuccessfully for Congress, losing a surprisingly close race in South Hampton Roads. She held high-visibility posts in the Warner and Kaine administrations.

The winner of the Democratic primary faces Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Republican who is seeking a second term.

Education was the centerpiece of Savage's short-lived campaign.

"I call on the candidates who remain in the race -- all of them good people and capable leaders -- to seize the mantle of education reform," Savage's statement said.

In an e-mail, Bowerbank described Savage, who, for now, is not making an endorsement for the nomination, as "principled and hardworking."

Savage said he will focus on his political consultancy and expects to work this fall for Democratic candidates for the House of Delegates.

Contact Jeff E. Schapiro at (804) 649-6814 or .