Another Kuchel?
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Many Republicans are too young to remember Sen. Tom Kuchel of California. He was appointed as a Republican in 1953, but voted with Republicans about as often as Alan Cranston does.
Despite this, since he was an incumbent the GOP nominated him. Faithful Republicans voted for him and, naturally, so did Democrats. He stayed in office forever--or it seemed like it!
The reason for reciting this old history is that this year, because the conservative vote was split among a bevy of excellent candidates, Tom Kuchel’s reincarnation, Rep. Ed Zschau, is running as the GOP nominee for senator.
If some conservatives, pleading “the lesser of two evils,” consider voting for Zschau, they should remember the lesson of Tom Kuchel. If Kuchel-clone Zschau is elected, you are going to: (1) be disappointed, and (2) be saddled with him for about 24 years!
Remember, Cranston looks like he’s 195 years old, and Duke may have the opportunity to appoint someone to fill out his term!
R.A. MOUNTFORD
Los Osos
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