Lateef Campaign Responds, But Doesn't Address Allegations

The campaign for Babur Lateef, the Democratic challenger for Prince William County chairman, responded to allegations Lateef is under investigation over the foreclosure of his home last year, but failed to confirm or deny any of the allegations.

Longtime Prince William County Commonwealth's Attorney Paul Ebert also hasn't returned phone calls about whether he received a complaint about Lateef. Lateef and Ebert are both Democrats.

Michael McLaughlin, Lateef's campaign manager, sent an email Thursday night, more than 35 hours after the first of numerous emails and messages were left for both McLaughlin and Lateef. 

"The campaign does not comment on Republican blog chatter. If you have details feel free to send them along," McLaughlin wrote.

McLaughlin was referring to the blog Virginia Virtucon that has several posts about the allegations facing Lateef.

In question is how Lateef's sister-in-law came up with $617,000 to buy the Lateef estate at auction last year. Lateef bought the Chaddsford Terrace estate for $1.2 million in 2006. But three years later the house's value dropped by more than half and Lateef had stopped paying the mortgage. He said he couldn't afford the mortgage on his family home and a townhouse he rents out in Woodbridge because the eye doctor's business was struggling in a recession.

For background information, read Wednesday's story .

For information about Lateef's foreclosure, .

Lateef is in a three-way race for the county chairman's seat. Incumbent Corey Stewart, a Republican, and independent John Gray are also seeking the seat.