Intimidation Is Nothing New to Pringle

Why should anyone be surprised by Assemblyman Curt Pringle’s actions regarding his push to become speaker? He continues to act in an undemocratic manner that began when he first ran for the Assembly.

At that time in 1988, the Republicans hired uniformed guards to stand at polling places that had a predominantly Hispanic constituency. This action intimidated the voters. He now intimidates fellow Republicans. Pringle will probably stop at nothing in order to gain political power.

The Republicans can do better and should not promote such unethical behavior.

RHEA DORN

Corona del Mar

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I am writing in response to a front-page article on Jan. 2 about civility in California politics. Perhaps too little has been said regarding Curt Pringle and his pressure on David O’Brien not to run for the Assembly. Although this is similar to the pressure his aide, Jeff Flint, is reported to have placed on Jacob “Jim” Rems, its implications suggest far more.

Pringle says that he is trying to protect Republican incumbents. It is appropriate for him as GOP caucus leader to protect the seat for the party. Protecting for an incumbent can only be justified when a challenger does not match up well against the likely Democratic opponent.

In the O’Brien and Rems episodes, this does not appear to be the case. By discouraging challengers when the seat is not at risk to the opposition party, Pringle is effectively disenfranchising the voters from the respective districts.

This is antithetical to democracy and therefore very nonconservative. It’s leaning toward authoritarianism.

I believe that it was Lord Acton who said, “Power corrupts, and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” In Orange County, we are effectively a one-party system. That puts our GOP leaders in a position of near absolute power.

And for a New Year’s wish, may the most populous state in the country produce a speaker with respect for what the framers gave us, and more leaders like Doy Henley, president of the conservative Lincoln Club. He seems to be the only one with clout who understands the responsibilities of holding power in a near one-party system.

BRUCE CRAWFORD

Fountain Valley