The Race to Replace Chap Peterson in the 37th

The Republican primary race in the 37th to put up a candidate in Chap Peterson's old house district has become rather controversial as of late. Jim Kaplan, a recent addition to the race, has been endorsed by Jeannemarie Devolites Davis, whose Senate district engulfs most of the house district represented by Chap Peterson until he resigned to run for the Democratic LG nomination. Kaplan was recently informed by the campaign manager of John Mason, his primary opponent, that Mason had been endorsed by Rep. Tom Davis, the husband of Devolites. Word is that Davis and Devolites don't always endorse the same candidates and that they both have a friendship with Mason, but it was still surprising. After several phone calls were made, it was discovered that Davis has NOT endorsed Mason and that he needs to explain why he claimed Davis's endorsement.

What is perhaps even more questionable is that Mason apparently made a donation to the Tim Kaine for Governor campaign in 2003. It is outlined here by VPAP. Although it is admittedly a small donation, either Mason did not realize he was at a Democratic fundraiser which is obviously ridiculous and would invalidate his campaign in and of itself, or more likely he is trying to position himself to gain some Democratic support in the general campaign should he win the GOP primary.