Flowery Oratory in Fairfax Campaign

Many yearn for more civility in our politics, but few walk the walk like Carey Campbell, Independent Green candidate for the Braddock District seat on the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors.

Campbell begins every candidates' forum and debate by presenting his opponent, incumbent Sharon Bulova (D), with a bouquet of flowers. He also asks the audience to give Bulova, running for her sixth four-year term, a round of applause.

"I think we need a more pleasant tone," said Campbell, an accountant and Air Force veteran who gave Bulova her latest arrangement Thursday night at a meeting of the Middleridge Civic Association. He is one of several Independent Greens who are on the county ballot this year touting high-speed rail as the solution to just about everything except osteroporosis.

Bulova graciously accepts the flowers at each event, but with more than a bit of puzzlement. As the pace of the campaign quickens, the flowers are starting to pile up.

"It's driving my husband crazy," she said.