With all the excitement over July 4 celebrations — and, yes, the three-day weekend — it took my husband talking about a new video game he absolutely must have coming out July 13 for me to remember there’s also a Republican gubernatorial primary runoff scheduled that day.

This is my reminder to you — and to myself — that there is an important decision to be made that day. Whether Robert Bentley or Bradley Byrne emerges victorious, one of those two men will have at least a 50 percent chance of being Alabama’s next governor.

I encourage all Shelby County residents of voting age to take part in this decision. Take a few minutes to peruse the two candidates’ websites at Robertbentley2010.com and Byrneforalabama.com, and decide which one is more in line with your views, whatever they may be. Then, next Tuesday, take some power back and cast your vote.

Then let’s take that voting momentum into the general election Nov. 2.

I don’t yet know whom I’ll be voting for in the runoff. I have to admit I was completely shocked to see Dr. Bentley’s meteoric rise to the top on primary election night, and I’ve been charmed by his calm demeanor and witty claims that “Alabama needs a doctor.” I also like his promise not to take a salary until Alabama’s jobless rate improves.

However, I’m impressed by Byrne’s record, especially his work cleaning up the two-year college system, which was rife with corruption. I also strongly support his intention to call the Alabama Legislature into special session soon after inauguration to work on ethics reform.

More than anything, I’m thankful I have two fine candidates I need to decide between rather than trying to vote for the lesser of two evils, as my father says in most elections.

I’ll definitely make a special trip to my polling place on Election Day. I hope you’ll join me. After all, I’ve always believed if you don’t vote, you don’t get to complain about whatever boneheaded decisions are made by those in charge. There’s no fun in that.