James P. Hoffa

* Your Nov. 19 issue carried two hit pieces on the candidacy of Jim Hoffa for president of the Teamsters Union: Alexander Cockburn’s commentary “Reform Is Bigger Than One Man” and “Fallout From Teamster Scandal Runs Deep” in Business. Both miss the central point in this controversy.

Teamsters President Ron Carey diverted $735,000 of the members’ dues money to his campaign. Judge Kenneth Conboy should be applauded for having the courage to render a decision that President Bill Clinton and other wealthy liberals did not want.

Teamster members should pick their own leaders in an honest election. The choice should not be dictated or influenced by these rich individuals or companies.

Hoffa is the only candidate that can reunite the membership and end the abuse of power by national headquarters.

JOHN F. HARREN

Riverside