Open Primary, Campaign Funds

In response to “Iowa’s Had Its Moment of Splendor--but Why?” editorial, Feb. 14:

I was struck by the deference paid 130,000 unrepresentative Iowans in the opening moments of the ’96 political season, especially when compared to the millions of registered California voters who, for 30 years, have been selectively disenfranchised.

Thirty years ago voters could vote for any candidate they wished to. Voters who chose “decline to state” rather than checking off a political party had the same franchise as any other. I am supporting Prop. 198, the open primary initiative, because it would restore the right of California voters to vote for the candidate of their choice in any public election.

Today, only a third of California voters consider themselves to be strong partisans. Those of us who declare that no single party platform mirrors our politics, however, are treated as though we wished to give up our right to fully participate in elections.

Established political parties ought to have the right to organize themselves, select officers, endorse candidates and promote their views. An independent voter ought to have the right to meaningfully participate in all elections, especially the broadest based and most competitive. Passage of the open primary initiative will help to restore interest and participation in the election process.

ANDREW KINCAID

Long Beach

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* As the election season begins, I believe it is important for the media to focus on campaign spending and candidates’ sources of funding. I believe this is more important now than in any past election year because of the enormous influence that private interest groups now have on candidates’ decisions.

AMY CLARK

Irvine

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* Re “Tax Reform Commission Seeks Tax-Exempt Status,” Feb. 14: This is another example of the lack of ethics by our elected representatives. Sen. Bob Dole and Rep. Newt Gingrich appointed this commission to enhance the Republican 1996 election campaign tax position with the voters of our country. Now this Republican, partisan group wants to be treated as a charity so that contributors can deduct their contributions as “charitable contributions” on their tax returns. Where does it end?

H.J. BENGEL

Westminster

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* As a born, raised and practicing Catholic, I am sickened by the message being sent by the two Catholic men running for president and only hope they will never be successful in their runs.

I only see arrogance, mean-spiritedness, lack of compassion and hate coming from their message. This is not what I thought I was hearing all these years being preached from the pulpit. I would like to see someone in authority correct the message of Rep. Robert Dornan and Pat Buchanan. I don’t believe that if we are against abortion we should then be given carte blanche to be so uncaring of others. Or am I wrong?

MARY E. BANGERT

Santa Ana