The first time Del. R. Creigh Deeds name was publically mentioned as a potential candidate for the 25th District Virginia seat in The Daily Progress was by Bob Gibson on October 21, 2001:

"'Right now, I'm running for reelection to the House of Delegates. That kind of has my attention,' Deeds said Saturday.

'It's hard to even think about,' he said. 'Emily was a bright light and a leader, and was going to be a leader in this party for a long time.'

Deeds, like many others, said he was shocked at news of [Emily's] death, as she had been so strong in her determination to keep doing her job and fighting her disease."

On October 25th, Mitch Van Yahres "had high praise for Deeds" (Bob Gibson, The Daily Progress, October 25, 2001), who has - to date - not publically announced.

[L-R] Mitch and Betty Van Yahres with Creigh Deeds

In the meantime, Mitch Van Yahres has stated in a number of venues that he, himself, will not come out publically in support of a candidate for the 25th District Virginia Senate seat before the upcoming Democratic Convention on November 10th.

On Saturday morning, October 27th, Meredith Richards ran into Creigh at an Alleghany County - Covington Democratic breakfast. And on Sunday evening, October 28th, Creigh privately met with a few Democrats in Albemarle County. All the while, local party leaders were advising party regulars to keep their focus on November 6th elections.

Then, on Monday, October 29th, "Mary Broz, Couric's former aide and campaign manager, said ... that she is taking a leave of absence from her job as state party spokeswoman to manage Deeds' campaign for the Senate" (Bob Gibson, The Daily Progress, October 30, 2001).

Which, of course, caused some to wonder whether there could be state party interest in helping Creigh.

In his announcement speech on Friday, November 2nd, Al Weed called for an open campaign and declared, "None of us wants to see the establishment anoint one of its own":

"Democrats of all kinds, and voters who want to work on issues important to them but who do not identify with any party, are looking forward to an open campaign for the nomination.

None of us wants to see the establishment anoint one of its own, and no one should believe that this seat belongs to the staff and advisors of our former senator.

As we consider this crowded field we are going to want to pick a candidate who brings good Democratic values, a vision that serves both the region and Commonwealth, and background that will make him acceptable to the wide diversity of voters in the 25th District."

Since that time, Mike Gangloff of The Roanoke Times has described Creigh Deeds as "the highest-profile possible contender in the Dec. 18 special election to complete the term of Charlottesville state Sen. Emily Couric."

Mike Gangloff reports (The Roanoke Times, November 3, 2001):

"Curry Roberts, who was an adviser to Couric and who served as secretary of economic development under Gov. Gerald Baliles, said he and other Couric associates have encouraged Deeds to run for the 25th Senate District. The outlines of a campaign are in place should Deeds decide to go forward, he said."

Now, Al Weed has raised questions about who has access to Emily Couric's mailing list. And some people report that Creigh Deeds may have Albemarle County locked up.

Says Al (electronic mail, November 3, 2001):

"When an incumbent decides to retire, or is defeated, we generally accept that he or she can redirect supporter's energies to a favored candidate, although we might just as well ask that the actual support be re-directed in an even handed manner.

When an incumbent dies, however, who has the right to her list of donors and supporters? Exclusive use by one candidate (not even declared in this case) gives a lopsided advantage to that person. Does her former staff and "circle of advisors" have a right to determine who the successor candidate will be?

This is a serious issue and one that I will make as public as possible. The process of locking up support even before the candles were cool violates good taste and fair play."

Is the Virginia Democratic Party establishment trying to anoint one of its own? Does Creigh have a lock on Albemarle County? Does it matter as long as the best person wins?

Please send your thoughts to george@loper.org where the most representative comments will be placed on my web site with full attribution.

Editor's Note: There were only 21 days between the time Bob Gibson first announced that Creigh Deeds might be a potential candidate and the time of the Democratic nomination on November 10th.