Editor, Gazette-Journal:

Ralph Northam and Justin Fairfax stand in stark contrast to the political opportunists and snake-oil salesmen that seem to be so prevalent today. Ralph grew up on the Eastern Shore, much like growing up in Mathews. He hunted and fished, loved the Chesapeake Bay and was a pretty good athlete as well.

He attended Virginia Military Academy, where he was president of the Honor Council. He became a doctor in the Army and patched up our wounded troops during the first Gulf War. A pediatric neurosurgeon at the Children’s Hospital of The King’s Daughters in Norfolk, he also headed a hospice for kids.

First as a state senator, whose district included Mathews, and now as Virginia’s Lieutenant Governor, Ralph has gained the respect of Republicans and Democrats alike to actually get work done.

Justin Fairfax overcame a rough beginning in a tough neighborhood. Raised by a single mom with the help of her mom, Justin was able to escape the drugs and viol...