My LTE to the Columbus Dispatch (I doubt they will publish it)

Dear Editors:

As a veteran, I take issue with VFW Chaplain Joe Wells' endorsement of Congresswoman Deborah Pryce. Look at Pryce's record on veterans' issues:

• Of house resolutions deemed key by the Vietnam Veterans of America, Pryce cosponsored 1. (Comparison: Sherrod Brown cosponsored 12. Ted Strickland cosponsored 22.)
• Of house resolutions deemed key by the American Legion, Pryce cosponsored 3. (Comparison: Sherrod Brown cosponsored 39. Ted Strickland cosponsored 58.)
• For the last 3 years, the Disabled Veterans of America gave Pryce a rating of 0. (Comparison: Sherrod Brown and Ted Strickland were both rated 100% all three years.)

Finally, as a member of the House leadership, Pryce shares blame for the disgraceful dismissal of Congressman Chris Smith (her fellow Republican) from chairmanship of the Veterans Affairs Committee--apparently because Smith's long record of helping veterans did not match Bush's agenda.

(Ironically, Smith had headed "Veterans for Bush," but among Republicans, it seems loyalty is a one-way street. It must be like living in a wolf pack.)

In view of Pryce's record on veterans' issues, I think it inevitable that Mary Jo Kilroy will be major improvement.

I say send Pryce home where she can keep herself busy protecting her own marriage and keeping her own flags from burning. Send Kilroy to D.C., where she can work for her constituents, including veterans.

My references for the letter:

Vietnam Veterans of America key resolutions

American Legion key resolutions

Disabled Veterans of America issue rating