Pat Nolan

* The lament that it’s “like a death in the family,” by supporters of Assemblyman Pat Nolan (R-Glendale), in response to his guilty plea, and their statement “. . . he’s incorruptible” (Feb. 19) fill me with wonder at what other kinds of behavior some Republicans will applaud in their legislators. For instance, all Republican assemblymen (except one) supported Nolan who, in his sworn statement filed with the court, conducted his Assembly office as a “racketeering enterprise” for extorting campaign contributions from those who sought his support on legislation.

Now, we await the March 21 court trial of two other Republicans some five years after they were caught in the FBI sting operations, Sen. Frank Hill (R-Whittier) and legislative aide Terry E. Frost. They say they will continue to fight even though they know the prosecution charges are backed up by videotapes.

Why did we have to wait until there was an attorney general appointed by a Democratic President for the Republicans caught in the 1988 FBI sting operation to be brought to trial?

SALLY ALEXANDER

Huntington Beach

* So another corrupt politician “bites the . . . dust” (editorial, Feb. 19). I say “yeah” to that.

Strange, however, that among those named, only Pat Nolan is identified by political party, twice in fact. Apparently the “disgraced former state Sen. Paul Carpenter” had no political affiliation. (He was a Democrat from Downey.)

Let’s publicly denounce all these rascals with full name, rank and party allegiance. Anything less is a disservice to the voters of California.

JOHN SHARPE

Cerritos