George,

I understand why rational voters might have been turned off by Cooter's campaign, but it would have been a great victory for democracy if he had won the 7th seat. One of the greatest faults in Virginia politics is the number of "safe" seats. These are a denial of a democratic system. Where there is no choice in candidates, an election is a farce.

If Cooter had won, he would have shown that there truly is a two-party system that works in the 7th district. Also, he would have added a vote to the House Democrats. And, finally, actions speak louder than words. I do not doubt that Cooter supports the same values as I have in politics. He had the guts to put his beliefs on the block with the certainty that his chances were about as good as a rose blooming in the snow.

Instead of criticizing Cooter and his unseemly practices, we should be trying to put some life into the state Democrats. I think Warner was correct in supporting Cooter. I would have done the same.

Kay Peaslee (electronic mail, December 10, 2002