Sen. Durenberger

It was discouraging reading about Sen. Dave Durenberger (R-Minn.) admitting to evasion of improperly received income and then rationalizing the action due to personal problems at home (“Durenberger Apologizes, Ends Ethics Hearing,” front page, June 14). Now he is worried about his reputation and is asking for sympathy from his colleagues!

According to committee counsel Robert Bennett, Durenberger received over $100,000. As a taxpayer I am outraged if he remains in office. If a person in the public sector did this he would not receive censure or denouncement; his plight would be a foregone conclusion.

I forgive him for making mistakes. However, he must pay the consequences of his actions. His colleagues can’t let him walk away with a verbal thrashing, a hand slap, his pension and the money. His betrayal of the Constitution borders on criminal activity and should be reviewed as such. I trust the people of Minnesota will demand his expulsion and monetary retribution if his colleagues don’t.

JAMES F. CROWLEY

Saugus