Newport News, VA--One week before the Virginia special election, General Wes Clark, former NATO Supreme Allied Commander, issued the following endorsement for Philip Forgit in a message to supporters across the country. General Clark joins an impressive list of leaders endorsing Forgit, including Governor Tim Kaine, Governor Mark Warner, and Senator Jim Webb.

"In just 7 days, voters in Virginia will have a chance to flip VA-1 for Democrats -- click here to contribute to Philip Forgit's campaign today!

"In 7 days, you have a chance to show why Virginia is leading our country forward. On December 11, voters will head to the polls in Virginia's 1st congressional district for a special election.

"Iraq war veteran and Bronze Star recipient Philip Forgit has a real chance to flip this seat for Democrats. His team is making its final decisions on advertising and field. We need to give them a boost in these final days to make sure they can reach every single voter in VA-1.

"Philip served with a Naval Special Warfare Unit as an advisor to the Iraqi Army in 2005-2006. A Naval Reservist, Philip was mobilized from his former job as a 4th grade teacher at Rawls Byrd Elementary, where he won the 2005 National Education Association (NEA) Award for Teaching Excellence.

Philip has shown himself to be a leader of outstanding abilities -- in the classroom, in the battlefield, and now I hope you'll help me bring his leadership to Congress.  Our nation is at war, and we need leaders in Washington who know how wars should be fought -- not from theory but from experience.

"Philip's military experience in Iraq will bring a much needed perspective to Congress to help end the disastrous policies of George W. Bush in Iraq. Virginians who care about the future of our military and about changing the course in Iraq will vote for Philip, but we need to make sure he has the resources to get his message to the voters.

"Just last month, Virginia Democrats won control of the State Senate and made historic gains in the House of Delegates. We need to build on that momentum by helping Philip Forgit win Virginia's 1st congressional seat next Tuesday.

"Special elections hinge on voter turnout. Philip needs your help to make sure his supporters make it to the polls.

"Philip is the ideal representative for the district and a much needed voice in Washington. With your help, we'll all be celebrating his victory on December 11."

--Wes Clark