GOP Race

Up until now, I was a supporter of John McCain because I believed he was a man of integrity. After his comments regarding the religious right in Virginia Beach, Va. (“McCain Delivers Hard Left to Christian Right,” Feb. 29), I have to modify that statement. Now I know McCain is a man of integrity.

It’s about time a Republican had the intestinal fortitude to say what he said. McCain has my vote in November and when he runs for reelection in 2004!

PAUL McELLIGOTT

Lake Forest

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As a conservative Christian who identifies with neither Jerry Falwell nor Pat Robertson, I take offense at McCain’s comments. He claims only to be attacking “certain individuals” on the fringe of conservative Christianity; however, most people will not make such distinctions. It feels like an attack on all Christians. My vote is with George W. Bush.

SALLY RAE

Irvine

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Bush has been attacked from all sides for his appearance at Bob Jones University (Feb. 28). I found it refreshing that he did not denounce its policies. Rather than criticizing him, he should be lauded for not bashing this private organization’s value system, which is no longer mainstream.

Individuals have the right to make their own decisions and be held accountable for the results. If “spun” correctly, Bush could show that, unlike the current administration, the GOP is not going to “save” us from ourselves (whether we want to be saved or not) by smothering our individualism with “do-gooder” programs. His appearance at BJU bespoke tolerance, a word so often missing from the GOP definition.

BETTY A. MORRIS

Chatsworth

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The unfavorable reaction of California’s so-called Republican establishment to Secretary of State Bill Jones’ decision to support McCain (Feb. 28) amazes me. McCain has proven that he enjoys a broader base of support, while Bush’s base is limited. It doesn’t take a genius to figure out who stands a better chance of beating Al Gore come November. I have a message for California’s Republican establishment: Wake up!

DAVID CHEN

Hacienda Heights