THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1996, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, March 14, 1996 TAG: 9603140010
SECTION: FRONT PAGE: A14 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 38 lines
Regarding the letters about John Warner's disloyalty to the Republican Party: The first letter declares there should be ``no fourth term for John'' because he violated the bylaws of Virginia's Republican Party. The second says that the issue is party loyalty, citing his election in the past as a Republican due to party strength. The letter writer then criticizes the Virginia party for being weak and rudderless.
If one is to believe the national politics that are happening, the big-time Republicans are telling the world that it is time to abandon ``business as usual, good ol' boy'' politics and get to the point of following what the people want and need. Is our state Republican Party so out of touch or does this only apply to ``someone else''?
The re-election of Chuck Robb, although not the best thing that ever happened to the commonwealth, was the result of the people's choice by a large majority. Lack of support for Oliver North and even challenging his candidacy provided the ``rudder'' that Warner as ``sole Republican of rank and stature'' provided. That North was defeated only shows how out of touch our local Republicans are with the real party and its avowed agenda. It would appear that we really need people in office who are willing to put aside politics and try hard to give the best that they can to the people they represent.
If any other candidate for the Virginia Republican nomination for U.S. senator is truly better for the commonwealth than John Warner, let's elect him as our senator. But let's elect him for his merits rather than whining that Warner didn't follow the party line!
DAVID W. WEMHOFF
Virginia Beach, March 7, 1996 by CNB