Carole Pratt says she can be a strong advocate for the unemployed, small businesses and rural health care if she is elected to the House of Delegates in the 6th District, which includes all of Bland and parts of Giles, Pulaski, Tazewell and Wythe counties.

Pratt, who lives in Pulaski County, said Monday that she will challenge Del. Anne Crockett-Stark, R-Wytheville, for the seat.

Pratt, 57, a Democrat, said, "With unemployment doubling, I'm really so anxious to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem in Richmond for the people who are having tough times in the district.

"The thing that pushes me to run is the economy and the number of jobs we've seen flow out of the district over the last year."

Pratt said she wants to help those who are unemployed get the financial help they need, as well as health care.

Pratt said she practiced dentistry in Pulaski County with her husband for 32 years and is now retired. She said she also served on the commonwealth's board of health in Richmond and is now working with the National Rural Health Association.

-- Sharla Bardin