McDonnell locks up law enforcement support

Endorsements from a group of sheriffs and commonwealth's attorneys representing localities across Virginia were announced by Republican Bob McDonnell today.

McDonnell, a former attorney general and state legislator from Virginia Beach, held a news conference near a police memorial in downtown Richmond to herald the support.

State Sen. Ken Stolle, a Virginia Beach Republican running for city sheriff this year, spoke at the event. Beach Commonwealth's Attorney Harvey Bryant was also present.

The list of 111 endorsees includes current Beach Sheriff Paul Lanteigne; Portsmouth Commonwealth's Attorney Earle Mobley; Chesapeake Sheriff John Newhart; and Chesapeake Commonwealth's Attorney Nancy Parr.

Many of those who endorsed McDonnell are Republicans.

McDonnell is running for governor against state Sen. Creigh Deeds, a Democrat from Bath County.

-- Julian Walker

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