Former Virginia finance director Jody Wagner (D) on Friday announced her bid to run for Virginia lieutenant governor in 2009.
“I’m running for Lieutenant Governor because as a mom and a small business owner, I know that we need steady, proven leadership in Richmond,” she said in a statement e-mailed to her supporters and posted on her Web site.
Wagner served as Virginia treasurer from 2002-2006 and Secretary of Finance from 2006-2008. In 2000, she lost a close race to Republican Ed Schrock for the 2nd District congressional seat in Hampton Roads.
“Announcing her candidacy in the midst of yet another budget shortfall that she helped create is a great reminder to the people of Virginia why Jody Wagner has not earned a promotion to serve as Lt. Governor,” said Gerry Scimeca, spokesman for the Republican Party of Virginia. “To Ms. Wagner, good fiscal management means bad forecasts, lost revenue, budget shortfalls and always higher taxes. At her retirement party somebody should give her an abacus.”
Current lieutenant governor Bill Bolling (R) has announced plans to run for re-election.
“During Bill Bolling’s 17 years in elected office, he has a record of accomplishment and providing common sense solutions to the challenges we face in Virginia,” said Randy Marcus, Bolling’s Chief of Staff. “While Ms. Wagner and other liberal Democrats fight for their party’s nomination, Lieutenant Governor Bolling will continue to work in a bi-partisan, pragmatic manner to build a better Virginia.”
Russell Supervisor Jon Bowerbank (D) announced his candidacy for lieutenant governor last month.
