Perhaps you have followed the controversy within the Virginia Democratic Party about gun control.

While I am a strong proponent of gun safety, I don't mind hunters so much, as long as they don't shoot into my property or carry their guns onto school property or into bars or into polling booths or into recreation centers.

I have a fondness for venison sausage and fresh peach ice cream.

And I kind of like those freshly printed hunter-orange bumper stickers showing a hunting gun and the words ' Sportsmen for Mark Warner '

So, in the spirit of good will, I have invited sportsmen and sportswomen from the greater Charlottesville and Albemarle area to show their colors and participate in a photo 'shoot' in support of Mark.

The picture of Charlottesville Mayor Blake Caravati, founder of Bogey Golfers for Warner, is intended to be the first in a series of sportsmen and sportswomen who support Mark Warner.

Charlottesville Mayor Blake Caravati Sportsman for Mark Warner

Some of you may recall the failed proposal last March to add golfing and shopping to the Constitutional Amendment guaranteeing the right of Virginians to hunt and fish.

Mark Warner supported "the Constitutionl amendment that now guarantees Virginians the right to hunt and fish. As Governor, Mark Warner will strongly defend infringements on that right from extremist groups" (Mark Warner for Governor, 2001).

Other Sportsmen and Sportswomen for Mark Warner include:

* Badminton Champion Ginger Greene * Fly Fisherman Russell Perry * Ballplayers Alan (Nails) Roland, Tim (Stretch) Wilson, Tom (The Poet) Vandever, James (The Kid) Pierce, and John (Dutch) Conover * Trail Scouts Eric Seaborg and Ellen Dudley * Easy Rider Kevin Lynch * Jai-alai Afficionada Virginia Germino * Chess Players Maurice Cox and John McCutcheon * Highsteppers Meredith and Larry Richards * Playing the Game * 10-Milers Mary Bauer and Ed Wayland * State-class Fencer Virginia Valentine Coles * Competitive Shopper Annabelle Loper * Gun Totin' Liberal David Saunier * San Fermine Reveler Brady Earnhart * Irish Dancers Meg and Mimi * Cut-n-Shoot Duck Hunter Rich Collins * Varsity Cheerleader Catherine Pemberton * Horseman Zach Miller * Gardener Karen Lilleleht * Pool-Player Charles Martin * Senior Runner Walter Kephart * Scribbler Allison Taylor* Frisbee Players Jenny and David Robinson* Raquet Players Francis Johnson and Jamie Polackwick* Sports Photographer Mary Johnson* Dunk Master Bruce Kirtley* Fitness Runner Al Weed* Belly Dancer Nif Lindsay a.k.a. Saffron* Recreational Rowers Phyllis Koch-Sheras and Pam Murray* World Class Sleep Champion Denise Zito* Kayaker Downing Smith* Scrabble Player Alexandria Searls* Polo Player Johnny Eicher* Wood Chopper Jim Heilman* Hula Hooper Kathryn Rotondo* Trail Blazer Francis Fife

Since inviting individuals to participate in this photo 'shoot', the National Rifle Association has adopted a neutral stance toward Mark Warner's campaign, stopping short of endorsing Mark Earley or Mark Warner for Governor.

And Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Governor Tim Kaine and Democratic candidate for Attorney General Don McEachin have come out with stickers of their own. Collect and display all three! And see links for their campaigns below.

After the November 6th election, a drawing of participants in the series was held. The winner, Karen Lilleleht, received one set of shotgunlites for the holiday season.

To view the "Sportsmen and Sportswomen for Mark Warner" poster, see Mark Warner Wins the Governor's House.