There’s a lot more to this lawmaker

Re “For Rep. Sanchez, a hot-tomato label means a hot potato,” March 5

Everything positive in your article about our beloved Rep. Loretta Sanchez (D-Santa Ana) is true. I have known Sanchez since she first ran for an Anaheim City Council seat (she was then a Republican and was ignored by the Republican Party -- fortunately for us Democrats in Orange County).

She has been exceedingly accessible to her constituents. People who work in her office convey the feeling that Sanchez is a real and caring individual willing to listen.

I am happy that she represents us in Congress and hope that she is able to do so long into the future.

AMIN DAVID

Anaheim

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On Monday morning, in celebration of Women’s History Month, the state Legislature recognized 120 extraordinary Californians as “Women of the Year.” These women have distinguished themselves through their service to the public.

In ugly contrast, on the same day The Times chose to publish an article labeling Sanchez a “hot tomato” and pondering whether the congresswoman, a nationally respected Latina leader who has actually made women’s history, is too “flirty.”

Can our society ever free itself of sexism and stereotyping when this kind of locker-room gossip appears on the front page of a leading newspaper?

ASSEMBLYMAN PAUL KREKORIAN

(D-Glendale)