http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&u=/ap/20040831/ap_on_el_ho/congressman_retires_5
Tue Aug 31,10:57 AM ET
By BOB LEWIS, Associated Press Writer
RICHMOND, Va. - Republicans were scrambling to find a replacement candidate after U.S. Rep. Edward L. Schrock (news, bio, voting record) announced his retirement amid claims that he is gay.
Republicans from Schrock's conservative district, which includes Norfolk and Virginia Beach, planned to choose a nominee to oppose Democratic lawyer David B. Ashe after a hastily arranged meeting Tuesday night.
The party has just three days left to get names on the Nov. 2 ballot, state GOP spokesman Shawn M. Smith said. Two state senators and two delegates were among those mentioned.
Schrock, 63, cited unspecified allegations in a statement he released Monday as the reason he decided not to seek a third term for Congress. He said the claims "have called into question my ability to represent the citizens of Virginia's Second Congressional District."