George,

You were kind enough to ask for the text of my speech on Saturday -- I am pleased that you think someone might want to read it at this point. I have already sent that along.

You also asked, if I could, to send a letter of endorsement for Mr. Deeds. That will be a little more difficult.

In the handful of weeks before Saturday that Mr. Deeds was busily working on his campaign, I could understand that he might not have had the time to respond to the many, and important, questions that Nancy, and I (and to a certain extent, Meredith) tried to answer. These were questions that, for the most part, went to the heart of why we were running. More importantly, they sought to show others what they would be getting when they cast a vote for the nominee.

If "Al Weed's endorsement" means anything to anybody it can only mean that I, who feel passionately about what I tried to do in the short time since October 22nd, think that Creigh Deeds will do just fine. People who think my endorsement matters will assume that I believe Mr. Deeds will be responsive to their needs.

Now that the press of the convention deadline is past us, I am sure that Mr. Deeds will be able to take some time and answer at least the questions we other three grappled with. I look forward to offering my endorsement and efforts to see his election at that time.

Al Weed (electronic mail, November 12, 2001).