LETTER OF THE WEEK

The Independent article regarding the recount of votes in the 67th

Assembly District (“Recount shows Righeimer was Republican choice,” April

13) suggests that the loser in the primary election and his supporters

are out to manipulate the electoral process again.

According to the article, Republican Tom Harman was victorious on

election night, topping the loser by 9,600 votes. Based on the recount,

Jim Righeimer, the loser, received more GOP votes than Harman.

If the loser wants an honest analysis of the outcome, he and his

supporters need more than a recount. They need to evaluate whether the

crossover voters in this race were long-standing Democrats and

Independents, or frustrated Republicans who have jumped ship and

reregistered in another party. A valid evaluation needs to consider the

following:

* Is it possible that the crossover voters are Republicans who have

changed their party affiliation, feeling uncomfortable and out of touch

with some establishment-sponsored candidates and activities?

* Is it conceivable that the voters really do support candidates who are

willing to address women’s issues, health care and public education? Do

they reject the litmus tests imposed by current party leaders?

* Is it feasible that voters might be looking for leaders of any party

that are ethical, responsible and respected by their constituents or are

seeking leaders who will work to represent their constituents rather than

push a partisan agenda?

It is my opinion, based on grass-roots input, that Harman was elected

primarily by Republicans. On election day, however, they may have been

registered in another party. Other Democratic and Independent voters may

have consciously and legally voted across party lines, just as a large

number of Republicans did in the Sanchez/Dornan race several years ago.

Many citizens focus on the candidate, choosing individuals they trust and

respect, or one that supports their issues regardless of their party

affiliation. In either scenario, the votes reflect the wishes of the

electorate, and the outcome of the democratic process must be respected.

A recount in the 67th Assembly District is meaningless without a careful

analysis of the voters’ registration history and thoughtful consideration

of their reasons for voting as they did on March 7. Most importantly, any

use of the data to manipulate the electoral process to place the loser’s

name on the November ballot is outrageous.

Citizens must remain vigilant, informed and involved to protect this

important democratic process.