Coble's opponents should stick to issues
Your article of Dec. 23, "Retire? He's not ready," says a lot about 6th District Congressman Howard Coble. But perhaps the article says even more about Jay Ovittore, an announced Democratic challenger. Ovittore suggested that anyone who has served as long as Coble begins to get cynical and corrupt.
I have known Coble for many years and shared the platform with him at numerous events, especially programs honoring our veterans and ex-POWs. Coble is a man of the people, visible throughout the 6th District. He is constantly meeting with constituent groups, area businesses, speaking to schoolchildren, veterans' groups and listening to the concerns of voters. He has assembled a talented and committed staff that provides perhaps the best constituent service of anyone in Congress.
Coble consistently receives 70 percent voter support. This suggests many Democratic voters appreciate the solid job he delivers in representing them. I commend Ovittore for joining the political discourse, but he should drop the personal attacks and debate the real issues.
Coble has always served the good folks of the 6th District with honor, distinction and dedicated service. I will do all I can to ensure he continues as "Our Congressman."
Bill Wright
Pleasant Garden
The writer is chairman of the Guilford County Republican Party.
Comments (5)
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Perhaps Mr. Ovittore is an astute observer of Democrats and is simply applying their norm to Mr. Coble.
Posted on January 2, 2008 7:05 AM
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I'm sure Mr. Wright would also tell us what a great President George Bush is, and how we have two great U.S. Senators.
Honey puh-leeze!
Coble, while nice, and approachable, has reached his "Sell By" date. I can still see him leading the charge for Impeachment as if getting "hummed" and lying about it was tantamount to corruption on a grand scale. That's when Coble took his eye off the ball. That's when he became little more than a partisan hack.
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Posted on January 2, 2008 10:31 AM
Mr Wright,
I would like to correct the context of which you say I suggested that my opponent is cynical and corrupt. The actual quote in the article is, "No matter if your a garbageman or a Congressman, that's the kind of time when you start to get cynical and corrupt, and I'm not saying (Coble) is corrupt."
So I did not suggest that at all, in fact I did the very opposite.
As far as my opponents constituent services, I have publicly offered for his staff to keep their jobs when I am elected. You will have the same services and an effective Congressman. Constituent Services is only part of every Congressman's job. You also have to vote and write legislation that has an effect on your constituents. We can debate the latter later.
Yes he has gotten 70% in elections when he has no viable opponent. Tom Gilmore in '88 was his last serious challenger. I am his next.
I no way did I personally attack my opponent, I was asked a question about his age and tenure. I would love to talk about the issues that matter to the people of the 6th District. That is why I'm in the race, for them.
Posted on January 2, 2008 8:30 PM
"Tom Gilmore in '88 was his last serious challenger. I am his next."
Really?
When do you plan on starting to fulfill that boast, Jay?
Perhaps after your next foot-in-mouth pronouncement?
Here's a hint: Don't give up your day job.
Posted on January 2, 2008 9:00 PM
I thought the conversation was about Howard Coble? The liberal conservative is bringing in W, Dole and Burr. Stay on the person Bill is talking about. Throw some facts as to why Howard should step down- not feelings. A good way to test a persons readiness and ability to serve is to be factual not emotional. Anyway- Think about it. Go Howard!
Posted on January 2, 2008 10:07 PM