Comparing Virginia’s Democratic primary to the presidential election in Iran may seem like quite a stretch. Both elections had stunning outcomes: one peaceful and the other violent, as supporters reacted to the consequences. In Virginia, the three gubernatorial hopefuls staged a “unity rally” in Williamsburg, creating a unified front for State Senator Creigh Deeds of Bath County, who won big across the Commonwealth.

Comparing Virginia’s Democratic primary to the presidential election in Iran may seem like quite a stretch. Both elections had stunning outcomes: one peaceful and the other violent, as supporters reacted to the consequences. In Virginia, the three gubernatorial hopefuls staged a “unity rally” in Williamsburg, creating a unified front for State Senator Creigh Deeds of Bath County, who won big across the Commonwealth.

Senator Deeds’ win was substantial, taking 50 percent of the vote, and reflects a campaign trajectory that was almost perfect in the final three weeks, as a surprise endorsement by The Washington Post energized his fundraising and his message. Senator Deeds is an experienced legislator, and his recognition of Virginia’s transportation needs persuaded many voters. Candidates Brian Moran and Terry McAuliffe gave the three-way race a platform for robust discussion. In the end, it was Senator Deeds’ vigor and moderate positions that won the day. Congratulations, Senator Deed!

Congratulations also to Mason District School Board member Kaye Kory, who won the 38th Delegate District horse race primary by a nose. Sixty-six votes made for a narrow victory over incumbent Delegate Bob Hull. Kory’s strength in the three Lake Barcroft precincts (Barcroft, Belvedere, and Holmes #2), her home turf, overcame Hull’s 300-vote margin in Providence District. Although Mason District is served by six state delegates, not one of those lives in the district. A Kory win in November will mean we’ll have our first resident delegate in Mason in more than 10 years. Hull has served since a special election early in 1993.

The general election for Governor, Lieutenant Governor (former State Treasurer Jody Wagner easily defeated Arlingtonian Mike Signer for the nomination), and all delegates to the General Assembly will be held on Tuesday, November 3, 2009. Contact your local Board of Elections for information if you are not yet registered to vote.

Many Mason District residents were in the Terrace Theatre audience at the Kennedy Center last Thursday for a one-time-only performance of “An Evening With Mr. Lincoln.” The one-man show featured James A. Getty, who is well-known for his “first person” portrayal of our 16th president. His only props on the bare stage were a small mahogany side table, a straight-backed chair, a cane and a tall beaver hat. As Mr. Lincoln, Getty regaled the audience with tales of his debates with Steven A. Douglas, his service in the U.S. House of Representatives, and his “team of rivals” in the Cabinet.  A special addition to his usual monologue was a word image of Lincoln’s “Grand Review” at Bailey’s Crossroads in November 1861.

At the show’s conclusion, sculptor Ron Tunison unveiled a clay model of President Lincoln and a bas relief of the Grand Review which was commissioned by Lincoln at the Crossroads Alliance.The Alliance, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, founded by local residents, is spearheading a re-creation of the review for November 2011, and is raising funds to install a full-size sculpture in the Skyline area, adjacent to the actual review site. Visit www.latcra.org for more information about the Alliance and its activities.

Penny Gross is the Mason District Supervisor, in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors. She may be e-mailed at mason@fairfaxcounty.gov.