By the way, Russell County has a Democratic lean to it, going for Jim Webb 51%-49% in 2006 and with a county board that has 6 Democrats out of 6 supervisors (Danny Brown, Chairman Mike Puckett, Vice Chairman Shy Kennedy, Bob Keene, Billy Wayne Wampler, Jon Bowerbank). Other elected Democrats in Russell County include Sheriff Steve Dye, Treasurer Helen Baker, Clerk Ann McReynolds, Commissioner Randy Williams, and Commonwealth's Attorney (soon to be "Judge") Michael Bush. Finally, Russell County is represented in the U.S. House of Representatives by a Democrat (Rich Boucher), in the Virginia State Senate by a Democrat (Phil Puckett), and in the Virginia House of Delegates by two Democrats (Bud Phillips, Dan Bowling).
Given Brian Patton's excellent qualifications and high moral character, I'd certainly expect that he will continue the streak of Democratic success in Russell County. However, you can never take anything for granted in elections, so we'll be watching this one closely and - when the time comes - reminding people to support Brian for Commonwealth Attorney. Meanwhile, once again, congratulations to Michael Bush...and to Brian Patton!