Despite having a “D” or an “R” after their name.

That was true for Terrie Suit and me. We came in together in 1999–the only two women in our class. And, as the other members of our class were defeated or retired, we remained the Last Two Standing. (Albert Pollard, also a member of the Class of 1999, took a little sabbatical but has returned.)

We didn’t always agree. In fact, we passionately disagreed about issues large and small. But we liked each other. We talked to each other. And I like to think that on occasion, we might have made the wheels of democracy move a little more smoothly.

She strongly supported her party. I strongly supported mine. But we also strongly believed that sometimes we could put partisanship aside and try to work for Virginia.

I wish her luck in her new endeavor.