A Bittersweet Day

Waiting for election results after the polls close is always an exciting time for me. Since I've been involved in the political process behind-the-scenes to an extent, I have some personal relationships with some of the candidates, and it makes it that much more interesting. Last night, despite what happened, was no exception.

 

It was extremely disappointing to see the complete Republican whitewash that took place in Loudoun County yesterday. I didn't expect all of my favored candidates to win, but I didn't think it would be this bad. Some good people, with great ideas, lost by some wide margins. People like Valdis Ronis (candidate for Ashburn District Supervisor), Bob Ohneiser (candidate for At-Large School Board), and Al Nevarez (rcandidate for Sterling District Supervisor) all got trounced. Jennifer Wexton, who was running for Commonwealth's Attorney, put up a valiant effort, pulling in 48% of the vote in here first try for elective office. She'll be back.

 

I am at a loss to understand why the others got beaten so badly, though. I can kind of understand if they lost by close margins, but these races weren't even close, and that concerns me about what the people in those districts and the county as a whole are thinking. The county has gone solidly back to Red, and the thought of possibly slipping back to how it was 8 years ago in that county is worrisome.

 

My friend Mike Kondratick, as I write this, trails his challenger by 50 votes in the race for the 87th House of Delegates district. I am unsure as to the rule for recounts, but I would think that a vote this close would have to trigger an automatic recount. Here's wishing Mike the best - he's a great guy who would be a great asset to the House of Delegates. And the best legislator in Northern Virginia, Senator Mark Herring, easily won re-election for the second time.

 

Meanwhile, in my new home of Reston, Fairfax County, I can proudly say that every one of the candidates for whom I cast a vote yesterday won. I don't think that's ever happened for me in any off-year election like this.

 

So like I said, bittersweet. I salute Valdis, Bob O, Al, Jennifer, and Mike for running positive, issue-based campaigns. You have every reason to be proud. And hang in there, Loudoun - fight the good fight.