THAT’S DEBATABLE:

The Washington Post recently reported that on his way out President Bush is pushing for a wave of deregulation regarding consumer protection and the environment that would be difficult for his successor to undo.

For instance, Bush wants to clear some hurdles to commercial ocean-fishing and establish new rules controlling employees who take family- and medical-related leaves. Do you think this is fair, or should Bush leave things as they are for the next administration?

It has become common practice for presidents, and governors of California as well, to make last-minute regulatory changes and appointments before they leave office. It is particularly common if the office is changing parties as a result of the election. President Clinton did it, as have other presidents and governors in recent years. Whereas it may seem inappropriate, we elect presidents for a specified term and should not expect them to stop doing what they believe is right prior to the official end of that term.

Rep. John Campbell

(R-Newport Beach)

[Declined to comment.]

Rep. Dana Rohrabacher