Bowerbank ends campaign, endorses Wagner

Jon Bowerbank, who pumped nearly $1 million of his own money into the Democratic contest for lieutenant governor, is pulling out and backing perceived front-runner Jody Wagner.

Bowerbank, a member of the Russell County Board of Supervisors, said yesterday that responsibilities to his family and business prevent him from pressing on to the June 9 primary.

His withdrawal is a coup for Wagner, a former finance secretary who has harvested endorsements from legislative and party leaders and now faces a little-known late entry: ex-gubernatorial aide Mike Signer.

In addition to choosing a nominee for lieutenant governor, Democrats pick a candidate for governor from among three prospects. Del. Stephen C. Shannon of Fairfax is unopposed and will be the nominee for attorney general.

Bowerbank, hinting that he'll run again, said he will return unspent contributions to donors.

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

Wagner, who caught the eye of Democrats after running a surprisingly close race for Congress in Hampton Roads, welcomed Bowerbank's backing and praised his commitment to helping restore the economy of his home region, Southwest Virginia.

Wagner also said she's ready to take on Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, a Republican seeking a second term.

Wagner, citing Bolling's opposition to tax-fattened efforts to strengthen education, transportation and other services, said, "He's been more of a candidate to say 'no' to programs rather than a candidate of solutions."

Signer issued a written statement, describing Bowerbank's withdrawal as "great news" for his candidacy. Signer continued, "We will now have a two-person race with clear choices."

Signer, too, targeted the incumbent: "I have the fire in the belly to take on Bill Bolling with my message of turning the office of lieutenant governor from a placeholder to a public advocate and shine a spotlight on problems we're ignored for too long."

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