Elections Leave Mixed Memories

Regarding the 1996 elections: Thanks to those who did not win; they made us winners.

It was a cold March morning in 1996, the primary election results were in, and as a candidate, I was not in the top two. I got up early to take down signs, slipped down a hillside and was feeling disappointed and rejected. I was cleaning the signs off the car when my 13-year-old daughter, understanding my disappointment, told me that she was proud of me for doing my best and standing up for what I believed in. The campaign process was worth it.

The citizens of Orange County have a lot to be thankful for after the elections. Thanks to the candidates who spent unlimited numbers of hours on the campaign. Thanks to those who supported the candidates through their contributions of time and funds. You brought the issues in front of the public, you stood for what you believe in. You were true Americans, fully engaged in the democratic process. This voter is proud of you. You are role models for us and for our children.

THOMAS R. ROLL

Mission Viejo

* Since Assembly Speaker Curt Pringle and his playmates seem to be having some difficulty in understanding their recent reduced numbers in Sacramento, here are a few observations from a strong, some would say radical, conservative, registered Republican.

I am 60 years old and have been politically active since 1960. I have never been more embarrassed by a group of politicians than I have about the current crop of Republicans representing us in Sacramento.

First of all, Pringle ought to be grateful that the turnout of voters was low, as I strongly believe that the results would have been even worse for the Republicans had the turnout been higher.

These views are about our Republicans in Sacramento, not Washington, D.C. I find our Republican contingent in Washington to be a true example of our strengths and future.

Meanwhile, we are faced with what has appeared to be the kindergarten of training grounds for future Republicans: Sacramento. When I discovered the petty infighting among the party leadership even before they took control of the Assembly, I became suspicious of the ability of these men to take their jobs seriously.

The treatment of former Assembly member Doris Allen was unbelievable. She had to put up with degrading sexist treatment from all sides from her first day in Sacramento, but she was a fighter and one who saw a problem and tried to work for “the citizens” rather than go lock-step with her brethren.

I never had the opportunity to vote for Allen, but I know she gave the party and the citizens 150% for many, many years. We didn’t have to agree with her, or anyone else for that matter, 100% of the time to know that she was a fighter and a wonderful representative.

RONALD W. MATHESON

Orange

* Will the Republican Party ever learn? The presidential election is a popularity contest, not a talent contest.

BETTY BARR

Orange