The contest drew about 400 entries (several individuals submitted multiple punch lines). The quality varied, but produced more chuckles than groans. Several themes emerged. Many captions explored male-female relationships (the war of the sexes, as it used to be known); others took pokes at Republicans (perhaps mammoths and elephants are evolutionary cousins). A few flew over our heads.

We salute all the participants. Ruffles and flourishes also go to Leslie Gross’ honor social studies class at Bailey Bridge Middle School in Chesterfield. Every student came up with a caption. The class submitted to us the four “most creative.” The kids are all right. Bailey Bridge offers a sneak preview. Next year the Editorial Pages and The Times-Dispatch’s Newspapers in Education program will sponsor a political cartoon contest in the region’s schools.

Gary Brookins’ cartoon for the second round will appear on next Sunday’s Op/Ed page. The winner will be announced on the last Sunday in October. We look forward to judging your best.

Runners-up:
"You know how I am when there is a sale on at CaveMart!"
John March, Richmond

 "I'll be glad when these things are extinct!"
Tyre Yancey, Bridgewater

 "Don't worry, the manager assured me this mammoth was not raised in China."
Douglas Williams, Midlothian