Elizabeth Dole

* Lack of campaign funds wasn’t the real reason Elizabeth Dole backed out of the Republican primary (Oct. 21). Her inability to compete against George W. Bush’s millions was simply the gracious exit of a talented lady with a ton of character.

Indeed, candidate Dole caved in to much heavier odds: She had the audacity to run without being anointed by the political elite. She was ignored by a condescending media because she wasn’t a press-hounding Clinton Republican like Sen. John McCain. And she didn’t fit the feminist mold.

Clearly, Elizabeth Dole is just as qualified as any candidate in the field. But she couldn’t possibly do it in a superficial society dominated by corporate heavyweights, extreme activists and partisan terrorists--those demagogues who create that sucking sound of lost democracy.

Still, it doesn’t really matter as long as government is controlled by a two-party system addicted to personal power, media exposure and campaign financing. However, by trusting the collective judgment of our fellow citizens, the solution is simple: The spirit of America can be resurrected with a constitutional amendment establishing nonpartisan direct democracy with voting networks connected to every voter’s home.

If Elizabeth Dole and any candidate for any other public office would campaign for direct democracy and mean it, she and they would win in a landslide.

DANIEL B. JEFFS

Apple Valley

* Your article begins, “Elizabeth Hanford Dole, the first woman to wage a serious campaign for president.� Pardon me, but Rep. Shirley Chisholm lasted well into the 1972 primary season (despite the additional burden of being African American) before withdrawing. I’m sure most people would consider that a far greater achievement than that of Dole, who dropped out fully three months before the first ballot was cast.

MICHAEL SCHLESINGER

Sherman Oaks

* Elizabeth Dole never had a chance--because it’ll be a cold day in hell before Republican primary voters elect a woman.

RUSTY AUSTIN

Culver City