Dear George,

If Mark Warner lacks the persuasive power to win as a supporter of a moratorium on the death penalty I'm not sure he has what it takes to be a desirable governor. I think he does have that power and we should urge him to use it, not undercut his running mates and betray the better interests of the Democratic Party. He has painted himself into a corner and needs to find a not-too-sticky way out. That's what advisors are for.

Paul Gaston (electronic mail, June 23, 2001).