U.S. Rep. Rob Wittman, R-1st, says that he, not Henrico Commonwealth’s Attorney Shannon Taylor, has the political support of sheriffs across the 1st Congressional District.

Days after Taylor released a campaign ad that featured endorsements by 13 sheriffs, including Henrico Sheriff Alisa Gregory, Wittman countered by announcing the endorsements of 14 sheriffs — all within the 1st District.

Wittman, a former environmental scientist, took office after a special election in 2007 to fill the vacant seat of Rep. Joanne Davis, R-1st, who had died. He has been reelected nine times. He was unopposed for the Republican nomination.

Early voting begins on Sept. 18.

Read the full story in the Richmond Times-Dispatch.