To the editor:

I was astonished to read the editorial “Tough campaign” in your Sunday, Oct. 29, issue.

You state, “The Journal-World has had a policy of not having to endorse one candidate over another in every race – or in any contest. Sometimes there are two good, well-qualified individuals seeking the same office, and the newspaper thinks it is better for the voters to make up their own minds rather than for the paper to suggest one person is better or more qualified than the other.”

That is excellent!

But, in other instances, you then say, “this paper has taken firm, positive stands in favor or one candidate.”

Then the editorial goes on, “As this applies to the race between Jim Ryun and Nancy Boyda, we believe it is important President Bush have the support for his entire program. … For this reason, we believe it is best for Kansas, as well as for the entire country, to have Rep. Jim Ryun in Washington to support Bush’s plans.” (Most U.S. voters have rejected Bush already.)

Furthermore, the editorial states, “This is not to say Ryun has done a superb job, but it would be far better to have Ryun representing this district and to support President Bush.”

If we are to make up our own minds rather than take the newspaper’s opinion, why should we accept your undemocratic philosophy? I am sure there are American patriots in this district that do not agree with your editorial, also. Why do we have to be subjected to such misguided editorial advocacy?

Vera B. De Mott,

Lawrence