While the whole nation strikes a blow for those lost in the tragedies of Sept. 11, it is only we assembled here today who can act to compensate, as best we can, for the tragic loss of Emily Couric - dear friend, invaluable public servant, and steadfast Democrat.

In our remembering those qualities of Emily, I hope we also remember that she was a pragmatist. If Emily were here today - having given up her Senate seat to become Lieutenant Governor - I'm sure her strong advice would be: "Whatever you do, don't get caught up in symbolic representation of me. Nominate someone who can win. Head straight for the barn!"

And in that spirit, I am nominating the person who will carry on the Couric legacy in the Virginia Senate. Creigh Deeds. Creigh will win because:

· He is experienced. He has been re-elected five times to the General Assembly and he knows what it takes to run a state campaign and win.

· He is loyal. Not only does he serve his constituents well but also he serves his Party well. For example, he is the chair of the House Democratic Caucus and has always worked on behalf of fellow Democrats.

· He is a strong advocate for quality health care, enhancing economic opportunity, and public safety. He has substance and experience.

· He is effective. His bi-partisan work - and his general ability to work with everyone - resulted in the passage of the Virginia Land Conservation Fund. This fund provides localities with resources to preserve land throughout the Commonwealth. His leadership role in this effort was recognized by awards from the Preservation Alliance of Virginia and The Nature Conservancy (my kind of guy!).

· He is strongly pro-choice, pro-education, and pro-environment.

In short, he can win this district - don't forget that this district is 60 percent rural - he can keep this district, and he can be effective for all the citizens of this area.

Finally, let me add a personal note from my experiences as the head of a legislative study commission in Richmond and from my work in preservation and conservation. Personal attributes such as those Creigh holds are indispensable. But beyond that, as the last gubernatorial race has shown, you have to have organization and you have to be able to attract the necessary funding. I want to assure that those necessary processes are well underway. Creigh Deeds is the right nominee from both idealistic and practical standpoints.

Let's not dishonor all Emily worked for by losing this seat. We can win with Creigh Deeds. Let his election continue the resurgence that began with Mark Warner and Tim Kaine. Let's do this for Emily and for the Commonwealth of Virginia.