An election of intrigue

Lovers of politics are rare souls in an era when politicians in the mind’s eye of the public lurk somewhere near the river bottom with old tires, lawyers, mercury, journalists and other foul stuff. Still, the election in two days ought at least to get points – and, hopefully, turnout — for intrigue.

The governor’s race is being watched as an indicator of President Barack Obama’s public standing. That’s a bit unfair, given the chasm between the candidates, not the men themselves so much as their strategies. Republican Robert F. McDonnell’s has been sharp to the point of brilliance; Democrat R. Creigh Deeds’ has been dull to the point of nonexistence.

Locally, four candidates, two of them write-ins, have lined up for Waynesboro city treasurer. The momentum to remove incumbent Sandra Dixon, plagued by criticism from the state auditor, is deep and growing. But casting for a write-in, as we suggest, carries the risk of splitting the vote and sending Dixon back.

A recap of our calls in each contest:

Governor: McDonnell. His message and vision have been clearer than those of Deeds, whose strategy has been badly muddled from the beginning. A question on McDonnell: Would he be as strong a leader as he has been a campaigner?

Lieutenant Governor: Bill Bolling. The incumbent will play a central role in revitalizing the economy. His opponent, Jody Wagner, is shrouded by Deeds’ murk, especially on transportation. A former state finance boss, Wagner also is hurt, fairly or not, by rosy revenue projections.

Attorney General: Ken Cuccinelli. This is the most interesting statewide race. Cuccinelli cherishes the Constitution. His opponent Steve Shannon has a strong law-and-order focus that we support, but he’s naïve about the limits of the office.

House District 25: Steve Landes. The veteran delegate is enduring a strong challenge from Greg Marrow, particularly on the subject of record and the regional economy. We support Landes’ workmanlike approach to limiting taxes and regulation.

House District 20: Dickie Bell. His positions reflect those of retiring incumbent Del. Chris Saxman, who has served the district well. Bell’s foe, Erik Curren, centers his opposition on a green jobs focus that elsewhere has registered dubious results.

House District 24: Ben Cline. The incumbent quickly has risen through the legislative ranks since 2002. His pragmatic conservatism, emphasis on openness in government and growing clout put him ahead of challenger Jeff Price.

Waynesboro City Treasurer: Jim Serba. A write-in challenger to incumbent Sandra Dixon, Serba has the business savvy to fix a broken office. The other write-in, Terry Kent, is also a better bet than the competition, which includes 2005 Dixon opponent Stephanie Beverage.

Staunton Sheriff: Alex Caldwell Jr. The incumbent has bolstered courtroom security and has been an effective performer over two terms. His opponent, Michael Painter, a county sheriff’s deputy, has failed to show why Caldwell should go.