Letter: Ensign strategy could cost GOP a House seat

Tuesday, May 12, 1998 | 8:58 a.m.

First, before he decided to move up to the Senate, he should have found a replacement for his congressional seat. Just before the start of filing he makes the comment that District Judge Don Chairez would be the only Republican to be able to raise enough money to battle Berkley.

I find it hard to believe that with all the fine Republicans we have, Ensign had to get a Democrat to switch parties in order to find his replacement. I vote a split ticket, so if there are Democrats I like, I would vote for them. They do not have to switch parties to get elected.

I have met a couple of true Republican hopefuls to attempt to beat Shelley Berkley, neither of whom I would give a sporting chance over Chairez, but the media does not cover these candidates because of Ensign's remarks of "only Chairez can raise money."

How stupid do you think the voter is, John? You could say that about a homeless man and funds would be cut off for everyone but him.

I have voted for Ensign on two occasions, but if Chairez gets the nomination for the Republican Party, I will vote for Harry Reid.

The Democrats will nominate a true Democrat for Congress and the Republicans need to do the same; this will be the only way the voter will have a true choice.

Gregory Farowich