Gerry Connolly's bid to replace outgoing Republican Tom Davis in Virginia's 11th congressional district got a bump today after the Fairfax, Prince William, International Firefighters endorsed his candidacy.

Connolly is running against Leslie Bryne, a former state lawmaker and the Democrat Davis ousted in 1994, and the lesser-known candidates Doug Denneny, an Iraq war veteran, and Lori P. Alexander for the party's nomination.

As predicted early on, the campaign turned nasty last week after Bryne's campaign helped pay for a campaign mailing from Emily's List that said Connolly was "known for his bullying, over-the-top tactics."

Here is the release today from the Connolly campaign.

"The Gerry Connolly for Congress campaign announced today that Connolly has received the endorsement of the Fairfax County Professional Firefighters and Paramedics (Local 2068), the Prince William Professional Fire Fighters (Local 2598) and the International Association of Fire Fighters.

"I'm so proud to have the support of the firefighters in this race," said Connolly. "I've had their endorsement in all five of my previous elections and, with their help, won each time. I'm looking forward to working with them to win this campaign as well."

"This is about a relationship," said John Niemiec, President of the Fairfax County Professional Fire Fighters and Paramedics. "Gerry has stood with us for thirteen years and we're proud to stand with him now."

Niemiec cited Connolly's work to establish a wellness center for firefighters in Fairfax County as just one example of Connolly's leadership.

"Our wellness center has saved lives and improved our ability to protect the citizens of this county," he said. "Gerry was a leader in that effort."

— Seth McLaughlin, Virginia politics reporter, The Washington Times