Dornan’s Reaction to Opposition Illustrates Arrogance of Incumbents

Incumbency has never reared its ugly head more forcefully than in your March 7 story about Bob Dornan (“Dornan’s Rival Feels Wrath of an Incumbent”). When a former Orange County Superior Court judge, Judith M. Ryan, announced her candidacy, Dornan instantly wielded his Damocles sword to chop off her efforts to oppose him.

First he contacted the Republican leadership at the White House. Then he barged into a meeting of WISH (Women in the Senate and House) and threatened them with intraparty war if they chose to support Judge Ryan.

So powerful, apparently, was Dornan’s threat that the WISH group immediately adopted a rule saying that it would not oppose a Republican incumbent.

Where does this leave the voters? With precious little in the way of choices. Unless . . . unless . . . could there possibly be some of us who will support Judge Ryan now that we know the true story? I hope so. I know I will.

JAN YOUNG, Irvine