Endorsed by The Daily Press of Newport News and The Virginia Gazette of Williamsburg .
Read the Daily Press endorsement of Philip online

Senator Jim Webb :

“As an Iraq War Veteran Philip has the experience necessary to help Congress set a new course for Iraq . Philip will be a strong voice for military families and veterans in Virginia .”

Wes Clark:

"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."

Former Governor Mark Warner:

Philip is an exciting candidate for the U.S. House. He is a nationally recognized school teacher who, as a member of the Navy Reserve, was called to duty in 2005 to serve in Iraq.... 

Now, he's ready to bring change to Washington, and his first focus will be to bring fresh perspective to the Iraq war. Philip recognizes that we need a new approach – one that requires a new plan to bring this mismanaged war to an end. And Philip Forgit will bring his own on-the-ground experience in Iraq to this critically important dialogue in Congress.

Like many of you, Philip is sick of the bickering that too often cripples Washington. As a teacher and as a soldier, Philip Forgit has the right background to bring common sense to our government.

John Miller, state senator-elect for the 1st District of the Virginia:

"Philip Forgit will make a great congressman for the 1st District. He will look beyond slogans and to solutions for the problems we face. Philip will bring a much needed common sense approach to government becasue he is guided by ideas and not ideology. His commitment to education and his service to the community demonstrate he will be an excellent public servant."

Albert Pollard:

"...As a decorated veteran and as a deacon in his church, Phillip has the unique background and perspective to represent the Northern Neck and our values in Congress..."

We, the Executive Board of Teamsters Local 95 are proud to endorse the candidacy of Philip Forgit for the 1st District Congressional seat. Phil is the kind of guy we need in Washington. A nationally recognized school teacher, a deacon in his church, a champion of worker's rights, and a decorated Iraqi War veteran. We need fresh ideas and new viewpoints in Congress. The obvious choice is Phil!

Mike Brooks- Secretary-Treasurer, Butch Franklin- President, Malcolm Ralsten- Vice President, Boyd Easter- Recording Secretary, Perry Greene- Trustee, Rene Clark- Trustee, Ken Hill- Trustee

Dr. Ralph Northam
Senator-Elect, 6th District

I am proud to support Philip Forgit for Congress because he has shown throughout his life a true commitment to serving his community. As father and a pediatric neurologist, I support Philip because of his experience teaching in our schools. I know he understands what our children and our teachers need to succeed in the classroom. As a veteran who treated soldiers during Desert Storm, I support Philip because I know that he understands the problems we are facing in Iraq and knows what our veterans need when they come home. We would all benefit by sending an honest public servant like Philip to Washington to represent our values.

CAPT Ted Hontz USN (Ret) Former Commanding Officer, Aegis Training Center, Dahlgren, VA Former Co-chair, Fredericksburg Region BRAC 2005 Strategy Committee First Chairman, Fredericksburg Region Military Affairs Council

"We are indeed fortunate to have a candidate who is not only an Iraq war veteran, but more importantly, someone who understands the geo-political issues and is a strong advocate for the military and veterans. We need our new Congressman to be someone willing to advocate for change and push for the average person, not just the elite. Mr. Forgit is also going to be a strong proponent for protecting our military bases in the district and he has already assembled a strong team experienced in the BRAC process. He has reached out to the military community and I look forward to working with him on Capitol Hill, both to protect jobs and to strengthen our national defense."

Chap Petersen
State Senator-Elect, 34th District

“I am proud to support Philip Forgit, Democrat for Congress. He has what it takes to win in the First Congressional District. I've won some tough elections (and lost a couple too). I've seen what it takes to win tough races and Phil has it. I truly believe his unique resume, unstoppable drive and overall talents will make it happen for Virginia Democrats this year. I am supporting him 100% and I hope that you will also.”

Ross Mugler
Commissioner of Revenue, Hampton

“Philip Forgit is a Virginia Democrat who can win the 1st CD. A fiscal conservative, decorated Iraqi war veteran, a Deacon in his church, a former school teacher and now small business owner, he speaks to the voters of the 1st CD in a way that I believe no other candidate can. Having run for office before, he understands the dynamics of the race and what it takes to win. I urge delegates to take advantage of his offer to serve as our standard bearer. He represents our best chance to win.”

Mary T. Christian
Former Delegate
Hampton

“I am proud to endorse Philip Forgit. A nationally recognized teacher, Philip has been a tireless advocate for public education. A president of two locals, he won awards for organizing in both and brought about improvements in salary and benefits for teachers while working with his NAACP chapter to address the minority achievement gap in his community. When called to serve in Iraq he managed to continue to teach, founding a literacy school for Iraqi soldiers. Energetic, hardworking, I strongly urge all delegates to vote for the best opportunity to win in the 1st congressional district and that is Philip Forgit.”

Mamie Locke
State Senator
Former Mayor of Hampton

“Philip was legendary for his hard work in an extremely tough Republican district, the 96th. He nearly won that race wearing out the soles of several pairs of shoes. Articulate and passionate as a speaker, he will represent our party well. He also understands the fundamentals of campaigning and with only 30 days to Dec. 11, we don't have time to learn, only to do. The bottom line: A majority of the votes are in the southern part of the district and Philip has the name recognition from his many appearances and mentions in the media market for his teaching and military service and from being on the ballot to appeal to special election voters. If delegates to the convention are ready to win, then Philip is ready to run!” As a resident of the First Congressional District, I look forward to having him represent me.

Jeion Ward
Member
House of Delegates, 92nd District
Newport News

“I first got to know Philip when we both ran in 2003 for the House of Delegates. A fellow educator, we were kindred spirits on the campaign trail. We both appeared at forums together and Philip always impressed me as eloquent, knowledgeable, and honest, he spoke with conviction about the problems facing the state. I enthusiastically endorse him for the Democratic nomination and encourage delegates to vote for him as I believe he is our best opportunity to win the special election.”

Jeanne Zeidler
Mayor of Williamsburg

“Philip is an integral part of the larger Williamsburg community. A passionate advocate for public education, involved in a variety of civic organizations, and professional associations he is the type of citizen-statesman I'd like to see in Congress. He is also a tireless worker. Hardworking and energetic he knocked on the doors, raised the money, generated publicity and did all the things we ask of a good candidate. He will make this a race like we haven't seen in decades.”

Terri Weaver, Hampton Campaign Chair:

As a Hampton Roads progressive, I've felt totally unrepresented for the last 16 years. Philip Forgit is going to be good for the 1st District; it's going to be good to have a Democrat for a change.

Tres Seaver, Fredericksburg Campaign Chair:

Philip Forgit's record as an award-winning teacher and a decrorated Iraq War veteran demonstrate clearly that he is the best candidate to represent Virginia's First District in Congress. I am proud to be working to help elect him.

Donna Thompson, Lancaster County Campaign Chair:

The Northern Neck is so excited to have a dynamic candidate that we can really get behind. Philip Forgit brings experience and specific knowledge to the entire 1st CD, especially in terms of our military community and returning veterans, because Philip Forgit is a veteran and understands their health and reintegration needs, and in terms of the public schools system, because Philip Forgit is a public school teacher and knows first-hand the importance of preparing our young people for tomorrow.

Bob Lindsey, Northumberland County Campaign Chair:

Philip Forgit has a good chance to be the first Democrat elected in a long time from the 1st CD.

Gene Sellers, Stafford County Campaign Chair:

The good thing about having Philip Forgit running this race is that he's a young guy with lots of energy and it's going to take that kind of energy to make things happen on Capitol Hill. Washington, D.C . has enough baby boomer 's who were reared in the 60's on the idea that you are either for or against, one side of the line or the other. It's time to start finding people who are open to compromise and will lead us on the path to “yes”, a true representation of the people of the 1st Congressional District.

Tom Counts, Prince William County Campaign Chair:

Democratic momentum from the last elections, from Jim Webb , and from Tim Kaine are a sign that the 1st CD is ready for a change. Philip Forgit has boots-on-the-ground volunteers and a strong network getting out the vote. We believe in Philip Forgit becuase he says what he believes and believes what he says. With a strong candidate and motivated volunteers, eastern Virginia will go blue.

Barbara Burgess, Fauquier County Campaign Chair:

We stand with Philip Forgit because he supports smart-growth initiatives like permanent land easements and development rights. Philip Forgit will help us advocate for maintaining our beautiful county and agricultural way of life.

Mary Cottrill, Williamsburg Chair:

I think you can judge a candidate's character by the people that host their fundraisers. Philip Forgit has Tim Kaine , Mark Warner and Jim Webb . Robert Wittman has Dick Cheney .

Ross Gillingham, College of William and Mary Campaign Chair:

Philip Forgit is a really genuine and uplifting guy. He has been a strong supporter of W&M Young Democrats, frequenting meetings and getting people fired up. We're thrilled to finally have a Democrat with a solid record who we can get behind and take all the way to the Capitol.

Ernest McAllister, King William County Campaign Chair:

Philip Forgit is a wholesome guy. He's an elementary school teacher who cares about his students and understands the importance of building a foundation for kids so that they're prepared for high school. We're proud to support him on his run for the 1st CD seat.

Ralph Bresler, James City County Campaign Chair:

I have known Philip Forgit well for over four years now. Philip is very articulate, knows the issues and is a very hard worker on the campaign trail. He inspires confidence. He is a top quality candidate for the House and will work effectively for our district when elected. He deserves our full support. Let's get behind him and help him win this election!