Dear George,

Despite the short time for the 25th district senate seat election process to occur, I think it is vitally important that we have a choice of candidates for the Democratic nomination, and that we have a very open nominating process accessible to people throughout the district. We should hear from more than one candidate about his or her potential contributions in Richmond and how Senator Emily Couric's legacy will be continued.

I have heard that potential candidates are hesitating to run, not wanting to run against their political friends and colleagues, and that in this atmosphere perhaps only one candidate for the nomination would emerge. In my opinion this view of democracy is too negative. The willingness to serve and to continue Emily's work in Richmond is something to be proud of, not to hide, and I would hope that two or more colleagues could seek the same nomination without losing their respect and friendship for each other. The potential candidates should not be the ones deciding for us who will get the nomination. Let's hear from every interested candidate.

Alexandria Searls (electronic mail, October 24, 2001).