Perhaps the single most distinguishing feature of Creigh Deeds is his rural upbringing.

Deeds is a product of Bath County, a county of under 5,000 residents known mostly for The Homestead, a luxury resort located within the county’s lines.

Touching the West Virginia line is far from the hustle and bustle that comes with touching the borders of the nation’s capital.

Unlike Brian Moran, he did not grow up in a legislative family. He did not gain fame from wrestling alligators and creating booming businesses, or helping the Clinton family reach national prominence as McAuliffe did.

Deeds graduated from Concord College in West Virginia, then from Wake Forest University School of Law before moving back home to start his career in 1984.

While Moran and McAuliffe each had unique ways of rising to the top, Deeds is the story of the night, and a story that apparently hits home with more Virginians.

He started out as Bath County’s Commonwealth Attorney and his first election campaign to win that position was nothing more than meeting and talking to people.

We’re not talking about crowds of people, with Bill Clinton and the Secret Service as wingmen.

We’re talking about the Greater Alleghany Highlands Hokie Club monthly meeting.

He didn’t inspire wonder and great expectations by any means. However, my father and other members of the club remembered that he made an appearance. And they remembered it fondly.

Today, I have to believe some of them repaid the favor.

Of course, McAuliffe and Moran have also made impacts on people’s lives during their careers, but Deeds has been a regular guy who happens to be running for office since 1984.

He isn’t famous, and didn’t have high-tension arguments during debates.

He brought in the least money, but also the least venom.

Deeds is an ordinary guy, with an extraordinary story unfolding tonight. Zc