It takes something special to stand for election, to present oneself, blemishes and all, to a critical population.

On Tuesday, voters in Virginia chose a new governor, lieutenant governor, attorney general and House of Delegates. Locally, portions of the boards of supervisors and school boards were selected. Most of the races featured a number of choices, and in some cases, incumbents lost their seats.

As Americans, as Virginians, as residents of this beautiful area, we should be grateful that men and women of ability continue to offer themselves for public service. We are grateful that voters continue to cast ballots in large numbers, not turned off by the toxic political atmosphere of our era. Some of that mud seeped into the state elections, and it was as ugly as ever.

To the winners, we offer our congratulations. To all the others who ran, we offer our thanks for their efforts and hope they will stay involved in the life and work of our communities. 

Change is everywhere, ...