Get ready for a fast paced adventure in modern political Democracy.

Last weekend, Democrats chose Creigh Deeds, at a convention numbering 864 registered voters, as their candidate for the 25th District Seat.

While at a recent Republican mass meeting, "Republican 25th Legislative District Chairman Keith Drake referred to that nomination, chastising a comment made that day.

'I am compelled to comment on a remark made one week ago today during the nomination of our opponent at the Democrat's convention,' Drake said. 'The following statement was made and I quote, 'Let's not dishonor all Emily worked for by losing this seat.' This remark is offensive to Republicans, embarrassing to Democrats and disrespectful to the late Sen. Couric.'

Drake added that the next senator will 'succeed and honor Couric, but not replace her'" (Amanda K. Greene, The Observer, November 21, 2001).

On Saturday, November 17th, Republicans chose Jane Maddux, at a mass meeting numbering 491 registered voters, to represent them in the special election for the 25th District.

"Maddux, who owns a Downtown Mall hair salon, pledged to run a clean and issue-oriented campaign against Deeds 'to get this seat back in the hands of Republicans.'

She said she wants to join General Assembly Republicans in holding the line on taxes, pursuing school choice through education tax credits, recruiting more teachers and reducing class sizes.

'Read my lips, we will not raise taxes,' Maddux told about 500 Republicans meeting at Western Albemarle High School" (Bob Gibson, The Daily Progress, November 18, 2001).

According to sources close to the ground, there was never any significant question about who would receive the nomination, although "Supporters of Jones, who received 106 votes in the balloting to more than 330 for Maddux said they were surprised by the size of the crowd that turned out to support Maddux" (Bob Gibson, The Daily Progress, November 18, 2001).

When people at the mass meeting stood up for their candidates, estimates are that the count was three or four to one in favor of Jane Maddux over Sharon Jones.

And there was never any question about how Jane and John would vote.

According to Carlos Santos of the Richmond Times-Dispatch, Jane Maddux received 435 votes at the mass meeting, after which Jones "threw her support to Maddux, making the election unanimous" (Carlos Santos, the Richmond Times-Dispatch, November 18, 2001).

"'I am very pleased that the Republican Party will be united,' added Jones, who owns three Charlottesville area child-care centers and for the past seven years has chaired the state Child Day Care Council" (Bob Gibson, The Daily Progress, November 18, 2001).

With the mass meeting over, the GOP is unified and ready to roll. By Monday, November 19th, you should be able to find out more about Jane Maddux campaign at her web site janemaddux.com.

"Albemarle Republican D. French Slaughter III nominated Maddux and reminded the GOP crowd that a special election one week before Christmas is all about which party can turn out its base vote.

'Your vote today matters. Your vote in December matters,' Slaughter said. He reminded Republicans that they lost a Christmastime special election for the House of Delegates to Charlottesville Thomas J. Michie, Jr. by one vote several decades ago.

Larry J. Sabato, a University of Virginia political analyst, said a special election on Dec. 18 gives Maddux a better-than-normal chance of winning the seat in a district that is 'not heavily Democratic but substantially Democratic.'

'Maddux is an attractive candidate and her party stands a chance in a low-turnout special election right around Christmas,' Sabato said. Although voter turnout was more than 40,000 votes in 1999, 'if it's half that for a Dec. 18 election election, we'd be lucky,' he said" (Bob Gibson, The Daily Progress, November 18, 2001).

With only 31 days to go, the race is expected to be heavy on get out the vote and to be media driven. So check in at my web site, listen to the radio and TV, pick up your local rag and be sure to exercise your right to vote on December 18th.