GOP Primaries

As an independent, I am truly amazed by the shortsightedness we are seeing. Many Republicans seem to object to independents and independent-minded Democrats voting for John McCain in their primaries. Don’t they realize that it is we who will determine the winner in November?

It would appear that many Republicans are far more interested in maintaining party discipline and control than in nominating a candidate with broad-based appeal who can win in the general election.

KENNETH PINKHAM

San Juan Capistrano

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Well, it was such a pleasure to see all those Democrats out voting in the Republican primaries (Feb. 23). I never realized how much they loved the Republican candidates, and what a coincidence that they voted primarily (80%) for McCain.

Hmm, a long, protracted Republican primary that will exhaust millions of dollars that could be spent on the general election in the fall. Not to mention the fact that it could possibly result in the weaker McCain taking on Al Gore in November. If that does happen it’s nice to know we’ll have all those Democrats voting for McCain. Right? Or am I being naive?

NEIL BROWN

Irvine

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I’ve spoken with Republicans as well as independents and Democrats in California who are supporting McCain. Of the 23 presidential candidates listed on our ballot, they like McCain best, citing his intelligence, maturity, decency and ability to lead. Crossover voting mischief? I don’t think so.

MARGO KAIROFF

Los Angeles

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McCain’s phone attack ads suggest George W. Bush is an anti-Catholic bigot; but it is McCain who blatantly uses the term “gook” (Feb. 24). One thing this country doesn’t need is a president and commander in chief who has such little regard for the consequences of using racial slurs.

The senator is in a position to heal this country’s 30-year-old Vietnam War scars, if he can find it in his own heart to do that.

PATRICIA CASEY

Fallbrook

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It seems to me that McCain is a conservative Republican’s dream come true. Here is a plain-talking guy with a staunchly conservative voting record who, without compromising his conservative principles, appeals across party lines because of his integrity and personal history. What more could a conservative Republican wish for?

DOUGLAS WIITA

Playa del Rey

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George W: from sure winner to sure whiner.

RICHARD SHERMAN

Culver City

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Has Martin Anderson (Commentary, Feb. 22) considered the possibility that McCain doesn’t need a gaggle of advisors and handlers because his experience and maturity enable him to make his own decisions? And while being a POW does not in itself qualify someone for the highest office, neither does being the son of a former president.

DALE KUTZERA

Los Angeles

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As a lifelong Democrat, I’ve decided to vote for the candidate, not the party. I’ll vote McCain over Gore; Gore over Bush.

WILLIE DREYFUS

Hollywood