Dear Editor:

Some time ago, the Graham County Republican Party voted to follow the lead of the Arizona Republican Party and endorse the best candidate for Congress, Sydney Hay. One of the party members who voted for the endorsement was none other than Bruce Barton. He has led many, including Sydney, to believe he is one of her biggest supporters. It is interesting to see he now has a sign for her opponent in his yard, and he has written an article to your paper as a “contributing writer.”

The Courier does an excellent job reporting on political matters in a fair manner, but in this case, the contributing writer may have pulled a fast one. The article written by Mr. Barton fails to mention that front-runner Sydney Hay has made at least seven trips to Graham County this year. The fact Sydney has been promoting four-year degrees at Eastern Arizona College before Mr. Barton’s candidate even moved back to Arizona is also not mentioned. It should also be known that Sydney has been working for 15 years in our mining industry, promoting jobs in our rural economy. The article gives the impression that Barton’s “other” candidate has garnered considerable support in the community. This is not true. In fact, Sydney has been endorsed by virtually all elected Republican leaders in Eastern Arizona, including Rep. Bill Konopnicki and Senator Jon Kyl.

The article seemed strangely familiar until I realized the quotes were all taken directly from the Livingstone campaign Web site. The article gives the impression that the writer conducted interviews, when it is obvious he did not. At least one of the individuals mentioned in the article has personally told me they did not appreciate being made to appear to support Barton’s candidate.

I am very concerned that some citizens may think Mr. Barton represents the Graham County Republican Party. In fact, he does not. He is finishing the last few days of his term as a precinct committeeman and member of the executive committee. Because he did not submit a valid nominating petition prior to the deadline, he will be replaced in the election Tuesday. Considering Mr. Barton’s level of journalistic integrity, perhaps he can find a job writing for the Valley Crosswinds.

For additional, factual information you can go to www.sydneyhayforcongress.com.

In closing, I want to emphasize that I think all three Republican candidates have good qualities, and I will energetically support whoever our nominee is.

Thank you.

John D. Rhodes

Graham County

chairman

Editor’s note: The Courier did not assume Barton was representing the Graham County Republican Party but ran the contributed story as part of its pledge to allow candidates running for office one article a piece.