Election dejection - Letters

Washington Monthly, Dec, 2002

In "One Vote Away," (October) Nicholas Confessore states, "When George W. Bush breezed through this otherwise little-noticed state to raise a few hundred thousand dollars for Thune, he stuck to farm aid,' Yes, he talked a good game, but he refused to visit the drought area which was only about an hour's drive from where he spoke. These producers are facing a drought equal to, or worse than, the Dust Bowl. Bush's refusal to visit the area cost Thune votes.

KATHY GUSTAFSON
Brookings, S.D.

Confessore was correct that the most important thing at stake is total control of the White House, Senate, House, and Supreme Court by the Republicans. I do, however, think that most Democrats and even independents know that, and that is the only reason they hold their noses and vote for them despite the fact that the Democrats have basically been AWOL for the past two years. We have needed a Tip O'Neill to lead in the Congress for quite a while now. Today's "leaders" are pathetic. Most Democrats have felt abandoned by their representatives. Americans like people who know how to fight. We want to elect people who stand by their convictions, not nm away from them bemuse of what the latest polls tell them. Americans want people who speak from the heart and stick to their beliefs no matter what. Paul Wellstone was a good example.

MARIA RODRIGUEZ
San Rafael, Calif.