To the editor:

In a recent letter to the editor, David Bailey expresses understandable concern regarding the many news references to Coleen Rowley's campaign as a train wreck. Since he is a paid employee of her campaign, I'm sure, he wants to be proud of his employer. However, by failing to mention that he is being paid by Coleen, Bailey again demonstrates the type of campaign Rowley is running -- dishonest.

Bailey's letter attempts to trivialize an ugly act by Rowley. She approved putting a picture on her official campaign Web site of Congressman John Kline, a retired Marine Corps colonel, in a Nazi uniform.

Bailey celebrates that Coleen has embraced extremely liberal programs like socialized healthcare about which she cares so "passionately.î I find it strange that Coleen admits that as recently as four years ago she was voting for the party that stands in strong opposition to the many liberal platitudes that she now "passionatelyî embraces. What a curious conversion for a woman of her age -- from party-line Republican to "passionateî liberal in a mere 48 months. Which, of course, begs the question about the honesty and depth of her "passion.î

Of one thing we can be sureÝÖ Coleen cares "passionatelyî about other people's ethics since she never misses an opportunity to lecture voters on the subject.

Surprisingly, Bailey boasts about Ms. Rowley's appearance on public television's "Almanac.î True, she appeared, but her performance was so uninformed and uninspiring, Coleen was roundly criticized by both republicans and democrats alike (www.backboneminnesota.com/2006/03/14/bb-mn-tuesday-quick-hits/).

Bailey also complains that the Kline campaign is not informative on the issues. Congressman Kline has a four-year voting record, which is easily available to the public. His positions are clear, thoughtful, well-reasoned and informed.

Coleen, on the other hand, cannot or will not articulate a position on any issue without attacking President George W. Bush. The clear theme of her Web site and her campaign appearances is anger at President Bush. Anger is not an agenda.

There is a difference between making noise and making sense. Rowley and her staff are guilty of the former and innocent of the latter.Ý

Diana Bratlie
Lakeville
Kline for Congress

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