THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Saturday, October 15, 1994 TAG: 9410140013
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A12 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Medium: 56 lines
After much prayer and consideration, I have concluded that the only candidate I can in good conscience support for U.S. senator is Marshall Coleman.
The two major political parties have given Virginia their worst possible candidates for this highly important office.
For the past 200 years or so, Virginia has been noted for producing highly principled statesmen instead of the sleazy politicians that riddle our government today.
That all ended, beginning with former Gov. Charles Robb and has gone downhill ever since.
Even those who call themselves Christians have fallen into lock step with the false prophets of our day. Completely ignoring the obvious character flaws of those they tout as ``patriots'' and ``American heroes.'' The philosophy of the day seems to be: ``Just hold your nose and vote for the lesser of two evils.''
Well, I just can't do that. To me, old-fashioned virtues such as honesty, integrity, truthfulness, etc., are the bedrock of a man's character - the bottom line in my evaluation of any person seeking public office. I can't just overlook this and follow blindly a political party line.
I know some will say that I will waste my vote by casting it for Marshall Coleman, but my answer to them is that I must remain true to my conscience.
HARLEY LAVENDER
Chesapeake, Oct. 10, 1994
With the Senate election now upon us, I submit that now is the time to consider whether it is not better to elect Marshall Coleman than the two carpetbaggers whose primary goals are to remain on the public payroll so they can enjoy living in the pristine area of their adopted state. Marshall Coleman knows that Virginia exists beyond the reaches of Northern Virginia.
LYMAN G. VANN
Norfolk, Oct. 10, 1994
My daughter first called me from Ann Arbor, Mich., asking what on Earth was going on in Virginia politics?
It seems every night there is something on their news about our Senate race. People have been teasing her about her native state. She said one night a newscaster said, ``It must really embarrass the good people of Virginia - the state known as the mother of presidents - to have two such unsavory characters running for the Senate.'' He then shook his head and laughed.
I told her, thank goodness we are fortunate enough to have an excellent alternative in Marshall Coleman for whom we can vote.
ELIZABETH HOLDEN
Virginia Beach, Oct. 7, 1994 by CNB