Sen. Thomas Kuchel

Thank you for providing front-page coverage to the sensitive obituary by Kenneth Reich on Sen. Thomas Kuchel (Nov. 23). In the arena of today’s political circus, it is easy to forget that our nation occasionally produces representatives of true heroic proportion. Perhaps increased media focus on these few individuals of unwavering principle would help us view the future with more optimism.

I have registered with party selection only once, and that for the privilege of supporting Kuchel in his primary race against Max Rafferty. Although always thereafter a “decline to state,” I have considered myself a “Kuchel Republican” at heart.

RONALD SEGALL

Los Angeles

* As a lifelong liberal, I have often been asked by co-workers if I have ever voted for a Republican. I have always answered that, yes, I did vote Republican once. That vote was for Kuchel, who I considered a principled man who stood for something. That those younger colleagues say “Thomas who?” only indicates how long it’s been since there was a Republican who deserved my vote.

Your excellent obituary confirmed my belief that he truly earned my confidence.

ROBERT S. HELFMAN

Los Angeles