George,

While I am not a Charlottesville voter, I do consider myself a loyal Democrat. As of today, it appears that the candidate whom I support to be our party's presidential nominee, Howard Dean, will not be the nominee. Whether the nominee is Howard Dean, John Kerry, John Edwards or Zippy the Pinhead, I intend to work my heart out and give what I can to send George Bush back to Crawford.

When it comes to Charlottesville's City Council election, however, I would have to take a different tack. While the nominees of the Democratic Party in Charlottesville are probably all very fine people, I could not find it in my heart to sanction what can only be described as the deplorable treatment of Meredith Richards. Meredith is a friend and a person whom I admire greatly. The combination of her knowledge, her commitment, her verve, her compassion and her courage is one that I see all too infrequently in politics today.

I have not spoken with Meredith about these thoughts; and, doubtlessly if I did, she would disagree because she has the quality of grace as well. If, however, I were a Charlottesville voter, I would take a pencil to the polls and write-in Meredith Richards.

Warm regards,

Jim Severt (electronic mail, February 13, 2004)

Editor's Note: Jim Severt was Virgil Goode's former chief of staff before Virgil left the Democratic party. Jim was an advisor to Democrat Meredith Richards in her subsequent campaign against Virgil Goode. And Severt also received the Acheson award at the Virginia Democratic 5th District Convention for the political courage he displayed in quitting his job when Virgil Goode voted to impeach President Clinton.

For articles about the Charlottesville Democratic Convention, see also Charlottesville Democratic Party Chooses Council Hopefuls and 'Stop Meredith' Move Ousts Richards.