Goodlatte Endorses Brownlee

John Brownlee, the former top prosecutor for Virginia's western district, announced today that U.S. Rep. Robert W. Goodlatte (R-Va.) endorsed him in the race for attorney general.

"I have known John Brownlee for many years. I know him to be a dedicated public servant, a good family man and a solid conservative,'' Goodlatte wrote. "John's conservative values, his military service and - especially - his prosecutorial experience uniquely qualify him for the position of attorney general."

Brownlee faces two other Republicans -- state Sen. Ken Cuccinelli II (R-Fairfax) and David M. Foster, former chairman of the Arlington County School Board. Only one Democrat, Del. Stephen C. Shannon (D-Fairfax), has announced his intention to run.

Brownlee also is being supported by Jerry Falwell, Jr., chancellor of Liberty University in Lynchburg.

In an email to supporters today, Brownlee praises fellow Republican, Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling, for running for re-election instead of opposing former attorney general Robert F. McDonnell (R) for governor.

If Brownlee wins this November, he pledged to run for re-election for attorney general in 2013 and support Bolling if he runs for governor.