Nine county chairs throughout the 1st district (James City, Newport News, Mathews, Hampton, King & Queen, Williamsburg, York/Poquoson, and Prince William) have thrown their support behind Iraq War veteran and elementary school teacher Phil Forgit. Also the DPV's Vice Chair of Finance, James Turpin of Arlington, has officially endorsed Forgit for Congress.
Meanwhile the second announced Democratic candidate, US Navy Capt. Ted Hontz (ret.) has gained some key backers as well for his bid at the open House seat. With 27 delegates and 13 alternates, Stafford is the largest county in the 1st district. Stafford Co.'s Chair, Dan Smolen, has endorsed Ted Hontz for the seat. Another key Hontz backer is Rev. Lawrence Davies, a local civil rights leader and former Mayor of Fredericksburg. US Marine Corps Col. George Van Sant (ret.), who onced served with Rev. Davies on the Fredericksburg City Council, also endorsed Hontz.
Besides Forgit and Hontz, Spotsylvania's Lana Ingram has her campaign website up (www.lanaingram.com). The nominating convention will be held on Saturday Nov. 10 in Williamsburg.
UPDATE: Ted Hontz just received the endorsement of King George Co. Chair Pearl Smith.