Lungren-Davis Campaign Debate

While the Sept. 23 debate in Sacramento lacked the two-gladiators-in-the-pit format of round two, it clearly showed who was the teacher and who was the spoiled child in round three. All Gray Davis could do was interrupt and repeat his one issue of choice for abortion and echo teachers’ union positions. I am sure his handlers will have to give him more homework for round four, especially a fresh idea or two.

While Dan Lungren has taken a more conservative stand on abortion than I have, by opposing late-term abortion, his themes for lower taxes, higher standards in the classroom and a friendly business climate in the state are keys for success in California.

EDMUND C. BARNUM

Altadena

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Re “Sparring on Abortion,” Sept. 22: Davis, in a television ad, accuses Lungren of sponsoring a bill in the House of Representatives that would outlaw abortion, even in cases of rape and incest. A few days later, Lungren makes a new TV ad in response that tells us of his lifelong membership in the Roman Catholic Church, of his reluctance to force victims of rape and incest to bear children conceived of these crimes and of the need to inform parents that their 14-year-old wants an abortion.

The problem is that Lungren didn’t deny sponsoring the bill in question. We all have a right to our personal views and to convince others of their merit. It’s when our leaders try to force them down our throats in the form of federal legislation, then dance around that fact with a deceptive TV ad that it’s a cause for concern.

TOM EVANS

Santa Monica

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We are being informed of the issues on the ballot by high-priced media advertisements, including much misinformation. To make informed decisions, we must hear all sides of the issues. There need to be debates including all candidates for governor on the ballot, not just the boring debates by Lungren and Davis.

Since the airwaves are a domain of all the people, the corporate-dominated TV media should act responsibly and make some prime time available.

CEIL SORENSEN

Granada Hills