Hi George,

I symphathize with all the individuals exploring a run for the state senate at this time. None of us wants to be in this situation right now -- the loss of Emily was too terrible a blow. But the sad truth is that on December 18th we will elect a new senator. While the business of the November 6th election should have our full attention and priority, four days later we will have to select a senate nominee. Clearly we have to start thinking about that now.

I recently met Delegate Creigh Deeds (who is from Bath County) and I must tell you that I was extraordinarily impressed with both the man and his accomplishments. I found him very moderate on issues -- a former county prosecutor who is strongly pro-choice, pro-education, and someone who understands the critical importance of the University to our area. Frankly, I couldn't really detect any difference between his issue positions and Emily's. Moreover, he had great depth in his approach to his positions. He was obviously a thoughtful and reflective candidate--someone who knew the "why's" of his very coherent, cohesive, -- and for me--compatible, political philosophy.

But his real appeal for me goes beyond his passing my "litmus" issue test. He was first elected to the House of Delegates in 1991 in a Republican-leaning district, a district that strongly supported Ollie North and his ilk. He has won that district easily five times. The Republicans then carved up his old district and lumped him into a new 100-mile long district that includes Blacksburg and Montgomery County. Now he is winning that district with ease. In his ten years in the House he has risen rapidly to a leadership position, is now the head of the Democratic caucus, and could challenge for House Minority Leader if he chooses. I hear a lot about "dynamic leadership" in the political arena, but it's nice occasionally to actually meet it. It's also nice to meet someone who not only wears the "Democratic" label with pride, but who is aggressively working to elect Democrat candidates all over Virginia.

Creigh Deeds further impressed me because he has an active vision for restoring Democratic control of the legislature. His vision converts our Democratic values into a viable message in areas we are consistently losing statewide. It encompasses winning back first the Senate and then the House. We have to begin with winning this senate seat, but more importantly, we have to retain this seat in two years after the Republicans have had time to sharpen their knives and open their pocketbooks for a credible candidate. (We won't always be blessed by opponents like Sharon Jones.) We need also to remember that 75% of this new district's population lies outside the city limits, and 60% live outside the urban ring of Charlottesville-Albemarle. Our message needs to include that rural base as well, or this seat will fall to the Republicans ultimately.

I'm sure if Creigh Deeds is interested in running for the senate seat he will be around. I hope folks will take the opportunity to get to know him. It's worth the effort.

Best wishes,

Tom Vandever (electronic mail, October 30, 2001).