Last week Sarah Palin was nominated as the vice-presidential candidate for the Republican ticket.

This was a move meant to garner the female vote, say some spinners.

To consider those of us who happen to be women as a secured block is a troublesome assumption to those who believe that gender, and race, shouldn’t be campaign issues.

Having an African-American presidential nominee on one ticket, and a female vice-presidential nominee on the other, is something new for this country.

Times are changing, and they’re changing whichever animal you claim as your political mascot.

Perhaps the time has come for votoers to no longer ask or consider a person’s gender or color, but to find the time to consider what that person is saying. Do we agree, or disagree, with how the candidate addresses the issues?

This is an election that will, whether we choose McCain or Barack, set new precedents. We will either have America’s first female vice-president or our first African-American president.

But beyond the hype, the excitement of forging new paths beyond old barriers, we will still be confronted with the same issues: the economy, the war, our energy resources, our approach to health care.

Ultimately, it doesn’t matter how our candidates appear.

All that matters is who they are, and what they will do once they assume their roles as leaders.

But the choice that is presented to us, the opportunity to influence our history and our future?

That is something worth voting for.

What issues matter to you?

This election year, what do you see as the most pressing concerns for our country? And, how do you envision the future of our life right here in Goochland County? We’d like to hear your take on what issues truly matter, for possible publication in a future issue. Send letters or faxes to the address listed below, or e-mail me directly at acondra@goochlandgazette.com.