The other day we mentioned the probable candidacy of Brig. Gen. John Douglass (USAF, Ret.) for the Democratic nomination to oppose Robert Hurt (R-Chatham). On Sunday the General, along with his wife, Susan, and campaign manager Gary Ritterstein, held an informal meet-and-greet at C-Ville Coffee for Democratic activists from Charlottesville, Albemarle, Greene, Nelson and Fluvanna.

General Douglass (center) addresses a question from Diana Abbott (Albemarle County), C-Ville Coffee, March 4, 2012.

General Douglass, C-Ville Coffee, March 4, 2012.

In brief remarks to the entire group, Douglass spoke of having campaigned in Southside on Saturday with Tim Kaine [Ward Armstrong was also present]. He offered a brief biography--he grew up poor, rose within the Air Force to high rank and positions of responsibility.

Two kids still at home, the younger, 13, now thriving in a Special-Ed program in D.C.

He spoke of his belief in the value of hard work and the need for society to focus on education.

When asked about his ongoing campaign in the Tenth District, he smiled and said, "There'll be an announcement about that on Tuesday."

Lt. Col. Peyton Williams, Jr. (US Army, Ret.) is the sole official candidate in the Fifth at present. Caucuses will be held in late April throughout the District, selecting Delegates to the Fifth District Democratic Convention May 19, where a candidate will be chosen.

(Dave Sagarin, March 5, 2012)