George,

I am pretty steamed about the outcome of yesterday's Council election.

Contrary to Blake Caravati's statement last night, I think that Alexandra Searls ran an abysmal campaign. I don't know her personally, and I am sure that she is very nice person, but a political candidate she is not. Not once in the course of the entire campaign did I see a single mailing from her, see her at a single public event, receive a phone call from her or her campaign, or see her in the local media (I do not count the lawn signs and bumper stickers that the party distributed).

Her positions were fuzzy to non-existent. Contrast this with both Carvati and Schilling's campaigns which were aggressive, visible and out front. Schilling was everywhere as were his yard signs. Though I regret that a Republican was elected, and one who appears to be a bit of a loose cannon at that, the guy deserved to win because he worked his rear end off while Searls apparently hid out in Woolen Mills.

Henceforth, the party should hear from prospective candidates regarding their commitment to campaign before we nominate them. The Toscano seat should never have been lost and I believe it was the result of one of the worst Democratic campaigns since Mary Sue Terry handed George Allen the Governor's mansion 9 years ago!

Jeff Fracher (electronic mail, May 8, 2002)

Editor's Note: See also, subsequent Fracher comments on May 12, 2002.