Virginia Governor Write-Ins: Christian Grey, Robert Griffin III, Blind Dog and One Super Barista

by Greg Hambrick

There's an endless pit of negative ads (some may have even popped up on this page) as voters weigh four options in Virginia's gubernatorial race: Republican Ken Cuccinelli, Democrat Terry McAuliffe, Libertarian Robert Sarvis and "Write-in."

That fourth candidate hasn't been getting much attention, but it's an appealing pick for voters looking to send a message about the major party options and the tone of this campaign season.

We playfully asked Patch readers across Northern Virginia to give us their write-in suggestions. A few readers stressed the importance of using your vote (we certainly agree), but most readers played along with some tongue-in-cheek write-in suggestions.

Our favorite came from Tina Gee: "The name of whomever is the super-friendly, efficient, male barista with the brown ponytail and glasses who worked at St. Elmo's this afternoon. Made my Chocolate Chai Latte like it was his raison d'etre!"

Share your write-in suggestion in the comments section below! 

Sports stars? We got 'em. After a surprising win Sunday, Robert Griffin III got an endorsement from Katie Mahoney. And hockey fan Lauren Giuffre excitedly said, "Brooks Laich!"

Sometimes, four legs are better than two. "Oscar Mayer," said Suzie Nichols, who even offered a campaign picture of her pooch. Frank Monahan suggested, "Ray the Blind Dog!!!"

Capturing the trend of the times, Jennifer Snyder-Allen pitched Christian Grey of "50 Shades of Grey."

There were some fictional sci-fi suggestions. Paul Vogel said, "Seven of nine." Tina Darmofalski offered, "Dr. Who." Along with Lloyd Patton Jr.'s pitch for Watson, the computer that won "Jeopardy."

There were nods to electoral history. Reid Trautz offered Harold Stassan. Peter Lineberry said he was showing his age when he suggested Pat Paulsen, whose one-time slogan was, "I've upped my standards, now up yours."

Share this story with your friends if they need something to smile about on Election Day!