Jost Picks Up Support in 1st District Bid

Several key conservative leaders announced today they are supporting Paul Jost's bid for Republican nomination for the 1st congressional district seat left vacant by the death of Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R-Va).

Jost, chairman of the Virginia Club for Growth, picked up endorsements from Republican delegates L. Scott Lingamfelter and Jeffrey M. Frederick, both of Prince William, as well as Del. Thomas D. Gear (R-Hampton). Former Republican Party Chairman Pat McSweeney and current Republican National Committeeman Morton Blackwell also announced their support for Jost.

Jost, who lost to Davis in the 2000 GOP primary, is a wealthy businessman and major donor to conservative causes. The 1st District Republican Committee will hold a convention Nov. 10 to select the party nominee. The special election will be held Dec. 11. An updated list of announced GOP candidates can be found below:

· Rob Wittman, Westmoreland
· Chuck Davis, Gloucester
· Jim Bowden, Poquoson
· Former delegate Dick Black, Fredericksburg
· Catesby Jones, Gloucester
· David Caprara, Spotsylvania
· Paul Jost, Williamsburg
· John De Nugent, Alexandria
· John Corderman, Fredericksburg
· Sherwood Bowditch, Hampton Roads