Signer snags Byrne, Boucher backs Wagner

Democrat Mike Signer's lieutenant governor candidacy today received the endorsement of Leslie Byrne, the party nominee for that office in 2005.

Meanwhile, Jody Wagner Thursday secured the endorsement of U.S. Rep. Rick Boucher, a Democrat from Abingdon, who has thrown his support to her after Jon Bowerbank withdrew from the race.

Her campaign this week also announced support from the Arlington Coalition of Police, the Arlington Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics Local 2880, and the Fairfax Coalition of Police.

Wagner is a longtime South Hampton Roads resident and former state finance secretary. Signer served as deputy counselor to then-Gov. Mark Warner and has been active in Virginia Democratic causes.

Byrne joined Signer in the state capitol today to announce here endorsement, calling him "a strong progressive who will fight, and win, on the great Democratic values of social justice and economic fairness."

Byrne is a past member of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Virginia Senate and the state House of Delegates.

The Democratic nomination for lieutenant governor will be decided in the June 9 primary election.

-- Julian Walker

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