The Record in the 40th District
Re the race in the 40th Congressional District: There exists within this district some painful flaw in the political process. Why is it that the safest Republican district in the country, representing the very best our system can offer, consistently delivers less than our best?
Has absolute power corrupted absolutely? Given that “money is the mother’s milk of politics,” are we simply condemned to settle for the best representation “money can buy?”
The record speaks for itself. Whether we mull over Robert Badham’s virtually unused “seat” in Congress, John Schmitz’s indiscretions or Andrew Hinshaw’s bribery conviction, the only surprise is how we ever produced Marian Bergeson.
And now we have Dave Baker. GOP power brokers and the big money interests have once again made their choice, and the result is painfully familiar. So if Baker is not our best, what should we want? There is one option that fills the bill: Peer Swan. For a change we can be represented by the best of Orange County.
FREDRIC J. FORSTER
Newport Beach
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