Which sentence with an introductory phrase is punctuated correctly?

a. A popular, and experienced deputy, Jackson was the clear choice for sheriff.

b. A popular and experienced deputy, Jackson was the clear choice for sheriff.

c. A popular, and experienced deputy; Jackson was the clear choice for sheriff.

d. A popular and experienced deputy, Jackson was the clear choice, for sheriff.

b. A popular and experienced deputy, Jackson was the clear choice for sheriff.

Explanation:

Introductory phrases are usually followed by a comma, especially when they are long (more than four words). This is so to separate the information of the phrase with the information of the main or independent clause. Option B, therefore, is the correct option because it consists o a phrase and an independent clause separated by a comma.

The other options, on the other hand, are incorrect because when two words (such as in option A and C) are separated by the conjunction "and," a comma is not usually required, semicolons do not separate introductory phrases (option C) and the clause in option D "Jackson was the clear choice, for sheriff" should not be separated by any punctuation.