At a special convention held yesterday in Virginia's First Congressional District, Republicans picked state Delegate Rob Wittman as their nominee for the December 11 special election.

The seat was made vacant in October through the death of Rep. Jo Ann Davis (R), whose husband Chuck Davis unsuccessfully sought the nomination. Ultimately, the contest came down to Wittman and the much more conservative businessman Paul Jost.

At their event this weekend, the Democrats selected Iraq War veteran Philip Forgit. The Republicans are heavily favored to retain the seat, which voted 60% for President Bush in 2004, and 54% for George Allen in the 2006 Senate race.