LoBiondo Isn't So Independent

Talk to Frank LoBiondo, hear him speak to groups like the AARP or in media interviews, and one always hears how independent from the Washington leadership he is. But as the Jack Abramoff guilty plea spreads like ripples in a pond, members of Congress connected to Abramoff through Tom DeLay are scurrying around trying very hard to disassociate themselves from both men. And our own LoBiondo, in spite of claiming independence, has voted with DeLay an astounding 88 percent of the time over the last couple of years. LoBiondo also voted to change House ethics rules so that DeLay could remain as majority leader. It seems that LoBiondo gets his voting instructions from the party leadership even to the point of being allowed to vote against the party on occasion so as to give the appearance of independence. His independent votes come when they have little or no impact on the outcome. But when his vote is needed, as in the recent cruel cuts of social programs, LoBiondo votes with the party.LoBiondo has sold out, not only his constituents, but all low- and middle-class Americans. If LoBiondo cannot support us, then he certainly does not need our support this November when he comes up for re-election.

KAREN PADMORE

Cape May Court House

Letter published in Press of Atlantic City, January 23, 2006