We've been hearing from a variety of sources that it appears Mr. Deeds is being given favored treatment by the state party in his bid to run for Emily Couric's seat.

Considering how hard we have been working here in Charlottesville to bring more people into the party and to get them interested in elections, issues, and voting, this would be a real kick in the head.

I doubt that more than a handful of people around here ever heard of Creigh Deeds before last week and I will much resent it if the state party tries to deliver a pig in a poke to the voters of this area, which comprises nearly 3/4 of the voters in the district. It would be grossly unfair to try to wrap Mr. Deeds in Emily Couric's "mantle" and present him to us as some sort of annointed.

Regards,

Mary MacNeil (electronic mail, November 5, 2001).

Dear Mary,

Thanks for sending me a copy of your message. As you know, the state Democratic Party always remains neutral during every contested nomination process. Because I support that policy strongly, I immediately requested, and was granted, an official leave of absence from the state Party staff when I decided to become involved in the special election for the 25th Senate District.

As you may know, I only began working for the State Party in January – when Emily Couric was elected General Chair she asked me to move from her legislative staff to the Party office in Richmond. Having worked for Emily continuously since her first campaign in 1995 – both as her legislative aide and as her campaign manager for the state senate and Lieutenant Governor races – I was honored to help her in that capacity.

Because Emily worked so diligently to win back the 25th District seat – and because I was personally and professionally privileged to help in those efforts – I now feel compelled to support in every way the person whom I believe is the best candidate to keep the seat Democratic for the remainder of her term and beyond (specifically, 2003 when Democrats can take back control of the Senate). Sixty percent of the population in the new 25th District lives outside the urban ring of Charlottesville/Albemarle – in my view, a candidate who can appeal to all parts of a diverse district is indeed the best way to bring more people into the Party and get them interested in elections, as you advocate.

Of course, my personal opinion and my support for Creigh Deeds in no way should suggest I believe any candidate should be perceived as anointed. Like you, I place my faith in the democratic process and the Democratic Party and look forward to Saturday's convention.

But first, I'm looking forward to tomorrow's Election Day successes!

Thanks,

Mary Broz (electronic mail, November 5, 2001).

Mary,

A very correct reply, but hardly one that is reassuring. The formula for apportionment of votes at the convention shows that Charlottesville and Albemarle county between them account for nearly 65% of the population. I don't see that your quibble about the urban ring changes the fact that Mr. Deeds could hardly be expected to know much of anything about our area and its needs and problems.

The point that everyone sees is that it's not a question of the printed lists and database that candidates may access, but instead the lists that are in your head. Given how little time there is to campaign, it's not surprising that a candidate who has your blessing will make the best use of it he can, but it surely does not help the perception that our "betters" will choose for us and then call on us to get out the vote.

Sincerely,

Mary MacNeil (electronic mail, November 5, 2001).