Dear George,

Thanks for asking [whether I have thought about running for the 25th District seat].

Yes, I have given careful thought to seeking the Democratic nomination on November 10th for the 25th Senate District seat in the special election to be held on December 18th. It has been with a heavy heart, as a county chair in both the old and new 25th district, I've had to consider the task that has fallen upon us. But rarely does the opportunity to seek elective office for an open seat requiring a campaign of weeks, not months or years, occur, and anyone with political ambition would consider the opportunity regardless of the circumstances.

In my case, examining my motives, I found that I was driven more by competitive instinct and the desire to prove my political mettle, than an unconditional conviction that I was the best person to serve the citizens of the 25th Senate District. I was not willing, or perhaps able, to abandon the land surveying and book selling businesses I enjoy; endeavors which have taken years to bring to fruition. I was not ready to give up most pursuits I value and spend every waking hour in self promotion, pleading for money and support. Yes, I love the challenge of a political campaign and talking to the people on the street and in the countryside, but this was not the race for me.

On Saturday, the Democratic chairs of the 25th Senate District set the process by which Democrats will choose their candidate to fill Emily Couric's term in the Virginia Senate. I believe we have selected an open and democratic process without the rigmarole associated with most political conventions. Voting strength is based on population in each city and county in the district and the candidate gaining the most support will emerge victorious. I applaud those individuals willing to declare as candidates and urge the widest possible participation of voters in the contest.

In the meantime, let us not lose sight of the vital election before us on November 6th. Mark Warner has conducted an admirable campaign and Virginians have the opportunity to elect a forward-looking, progressive ticket to state office; a Democratic ticket in a Republican state. Leave nothing to chance in this effort and pursue every vote for our candidates.

For myself, I will continue to work for the election of Democrats and do what I can to adhere to democratic principles in the Commonwealth and especially in the Fifth District of Virginia.

Allen Hale (electronic mail, October 28, 2001).

Chair, Nelson County Democratic Committee