The area media are all reporting that the nominee of the Democratic Party caucus will be the winner of the 16th Senate District seat even before the general election is held.

The reason: The media measures a candidate’s prospects by how much money they raise rather than by the content of a candidate’s character.

Money is the focus because the media, consultants, advertising agencies and other businesses that create election buzz look forward to getting some of that money.

Myself and others do not buy the idea that voters will presume they have only one choice — the Democratic nominee.

The party is likely to spend heavily to shut out an independent Democrat who does not support Corporate America’s agenda and will be on the front line working to make sure that the voice of the people is not silenced.

But voters recognize this district needs a representative who will do more than major in patroning resolutions that commemorate people and businesses.

This is a district that needs an advocate for programs to deal with the district’s high poverty rate and not follow in the footsteps of the previous senator who was silent on this issue for 22 years and who then quit to take a six-figure job from the governor without looking back.

EARL BRADLEY

Richmond

The writer is the campaign manager for Preston T. Brown, who is running as an independent in the Nov. 4 special election to replace Henry L. Marsh III.