AN OPEN LETTER TO BARBARA LEE WOOLLEN

Friday, Aug. 11, 2006 | 7:49 a.m.

August 11, 2006

Dear Barbara,

Two weeks ago, we were told that you employ an illegal immigrant as a housekeeper. It seemed odd, if true, because as a candidate for Nevada lieutenant governor, you are promising to shut the door on illegal immigration.

The allegation came in the form of a tip to the television program "Face to Face With Jon Ralston," whose executive producer, Dana Gentry, shared it with us. But she also asked you about it directly. You and your husband promised to produce documents proving that your housekeeper was legally in the United States.

You never did.

Two days ago, Sun reporter Michael Mishak decided to try. When he called you Wednesday, you protested that the charge was politically motivated, which is probably true because it's the sort of thing that happens in campaigns. "There's a lot more things that affect the citizens of Nevada than who the hell cleans my house," you said. "Why don't you look into the lack of housekeeping in the state treasurer's office?"

Good idea.

But about that housekeeper ...

We know her only as Yolanda. You won't give us her last name. But you did tell Mishak that you would show him documents proving that she worked in the United States legally. When Mishak went to your house, you showed him photocopies of what you described as Yolanda's U.S. passport, Nevada driver's license and Social Security form. But all of the personal information, including the name and Social Security number, was whited out.

You also told him that Yolanda was paid "through a payroll agency," but you would not give us its name, or explain why you would have a copy of the passport of someone who you don't directly employ.

Thursday, Gentry and Sun reporter Steve Kanigher tried again. At your invitation, they showed up at the Regency Towers at the Las Vegas Country Club and asked security for permission to go up to your penthouse. The guard said you had canceled the appointment.

Today is Friday. The election is just four days away. Won't you please help?

Sincerely yours,

The Las Vegas Sun