ELECTION: Check all the facts first

The letter by Wayne Rathburn which was printed 4/28/10 left out much about the Congressional candidates Vaughn Ward and Raul Labrador.  Ward does indeed own a home in Virginia. Check out the market, no one can sell a home in the greater DC area.   He, however, also owns land in Idaho, where he eventually plans to build his home when his Virginia home sells . Like many other average Idahoans, the housing crisis has affected Ward.

The writer implies that Ward is not a true Idahoan.  Ward was born and raised in Idaho and only left to serve his country for two terms as a Marine in Iraq and earning a Bronze Star for Valor.  He continues to be in the Marine Reserves and was recently promoted to Lt. Col.  He later served in the CIA in Washington.  This valuable experience has given Vaughn a vast knowledge of national security concerns that will immediately be useful in Congress.  He has spent most of his adult life serving this country.  The writer states that Vaughn Ward was simply a government employee. This is  somewhat deceiving I would say. Leading young men into combat is a little more intense than merely being employed by the Federal Government.

Vaughn Ward’s opponent is the one that is not a native Idahoan.  He was born in Puerto Rico and came to the US as a teenager.  He moved to Idaho later in life.   In addition, he is an immigration lawyer who represents individuals who come to Idaho and this country illegally. Where does he stand on the issues of amnesty?  This is an important issue for our country and region.

The writer does not mention that Labrador’s own campaign manager recently quit his position.  Perhaps he realized that Vaughn Ward was by far the better candidate.

BOB WEAVER

Twin Lakes