Supports Rea Culwell

Dear Editor:

I consider myself a politi­cally responsible citizen and I follow the candidates' news and views closely each elec­tion

season, especially the local races which will have direct affect on my life. The unfortunate course of many close races results in negative campaigning. Often one side or the other will likely make up something when they were unable to dig up dirt or they simply revert to using vague comments that cast doubt and slander on their opponent. The Columbia County race for Prosecuter is very tight and has become quite controversial in this regard.

When challenger Ran­dy Lewis says, "Don't be Fooled." I hope the voters do not get duped by him. Our current prosecutor, Rea Cul­well, is running on the merits of her record, which is better than the state average. No­tice that Mr. Lewis has never mentioned the merits of his record working for Columbia County. That is because he has only done six cases for our county in the last four and a half years. His public defense success record in our county is only half of the state average. He lost the only appeal case he has done, twice. He has only done one trial case this year, it was in Walla Walla and he lost. Would you consider this a stellar record? Lewis also suggests that when you can not run on your record you resort to half truths and lies. When Mr. Lewis ad­dressed the Democratic Cau­cus Committee, the first thing out of his mouth was, "Rea Culwell has the worst record of anyone in the state and is the worst prosecuting at­torney that Columbia County has ever had." When asked if he had any statistics to sup­port that statement, he could not come up with any. Any statement in Rea Culwell's campaign materials can be supported with public re­cords or statements made by Mr. Lewis. I agree with Mr. Lewis that you should look into the moral character differ­ences between the candi­dates. When Mr. Lewis said at the Republican-ice cream social, "I know all the tricks," he makes me doubt his good will to serve me as a citizen. What tricks will he use to try to get elected? You should ask both candidates to provide proof of statements they make and if they can't come up with any, don't be­lieve

them. Democracy only works when the citizens are accurately informed. The truth will come out eventu­ally about these negative campaign tactics, I just hope our judgement is not blinded by them when we mail in our ballots.