Dr. Keith Hummel, a Democrat from Montross, has suspended his campaign for the 1st District congressional seat, leaving the Democratic Party potentially without a candidate to run against first-year Republican Rep. Robert J. Wittman.

Hummel said discussions about past financial difficulties have become a "distraction from the real issues at stake in this election." Those difficulties include a bankruptcy, campaign manager Stephen Pierce said.

Hummel, an emergency room doctor, said he had made no secret of his financial problems.

"I have always said that I am an imperfect candidate," Hummel said. "Unfortunately, our elections today revolve around narrow and simplistic assessments of viability."

Pierce said the suspension is the first step that could lead to a withdrawal. He said the campaign would be talking to other Democrats about whether to withdraw.

Jared Leopold, a spokesman for Virginia Democrats, said, "We respect Dr. Hummel's decision." If Hummel chooses to withdraw, it would be up to the 1st District Democratic Committee whether to field another candidate, he said.

A spokeswoman for the State Board of Elections said parties have until Sept. 5, 60 days before the election, to fill a vacancy.

Hummel was running as an economic populist. This was his first run for public office.

The district runs from Fauquier County outside Northern Virginia through the Fredericksburg area and the Northern Neck to the Middle Peninsula and portions of the Peninsula.

Wittman was elected to Congress in a special election in December. He replaced the late Rep. Jo Ann Davis, a Republican, who died in office. The district has been in Republican hands for decades.
Contact Tyler Whitley at (804) 649-6780 or twhitley@timesdispatch.com.