Three readers name a third choice

The Press' endorsement of U.S. Rep. Frank Lobiondo for yet another term is a mistake. In supporting Lobiondo, you fail to mention Lobiondo's support of Bush's war, his votes for tax relief for the rich and the subsequent extensions of the debt limit that threatens to destroy this nation. In December of 2005 he voted to continue torture in prison camps. In May of the same year, he voted against stem-cell research, a research field that has direct impact on New Jersey jobs. But in 2006 he outdid himself. In February he voted to cut $40 billion from childhood aid and welfare. In May he voted to extend tax cuts for the rich and in June to extend the war in Iraq. In July, through chicanery, he blocked an increase in the minimum wage. Yes, it appears Democrat Viola Thomas-Hughes is a weak and poorly supported challenger, but you fail to mention Bob Mullock of Cape May, who has an agenda better suited to southern New Jersey. While Mullock is an independent, he deserves attention. Robert J. Murphy, Somers Point - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006 The Sunday headline in The Press read, “Deadliest month of the year.” The same day, an editorial noted that U.S. Rep. Frank Lobiondo, D-2nd, is a staunch defender of the war, and voted 83 percent of the time to support the Bush administration. LoBiondo supports the “stay the course” politics that have made sad headlines a regular occurrence. The truth is, Lobiondo is a non-veteran who has never served in the military, yet has voted himself a 3.5 percent raise and the American soldiers dying in Iraq a 2 percent raise. Where are his priorities? The Press only mentioned two parties running in the 2nd Congressional District, Democrat and Republican. Where was the mention of the independent candidates? Did you know that in southern New Jersey, there are more independent and undeclared registered voters than there are Democratic and Republican? Bob Mullock is running as an independent. Mullock is a veteran. He has an exit plan for Iraq and will bring our troops home. Mullock has been an advocate for Social Security, the surplus of which will reach $2 trillion by Election Day. We can send a message to Congress by sending Bob Mullock to Washington. Jennifer Iwasevic, Erma - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006 The Press decided to endorse U.S. Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, based largely on the shortcomings of his Democratic opponent; a sad criterion to base an endorsement upon, but understandable. However, this year there is an independent alternative. We, Republicans and Democrats, request that the candidacy of our neighbor, Bob Mullock, be evaluated by your editorial board and further suggest that your readers afford themselves of the opportunity to examine the positions held by Mullock by visiting www.bobmullockforcongress.com. Whether voters agree or disagree with Mullock is not important as the fact that he tells it as he sees it — no political baloney. At the very least, The Press should provide an arena for open, honest debate not limited by a “two-party only” mentality. Linda Adams et al, Cape May Point - Atlantic City Press, October 26, 2006