May 10, 2008 - Letter to the Editor: Tough Decisions
Letter to the Editor: Tough Decisions
May 10, 2008
The Friday article "Superdelegates hold back" (Page 1) accurately depicts the reluctance of many Democratic elected-official superdelegates to take a position on whom they will support for president.
A case in point is Rep. Jason Altmire,Democrat from western Pennsylvania and a superdelegate.
Mr. Altmire's district overwhelmingly supported Hillary Rodham Clinton in the Pennsylvania primary. In a number of radio interviews that I have heard, Mr. Altmire has consistently said that he will not make a decision until June 3, after all states have voted.
He also states that he believes that there will be a clear victor by that time. In other words, he does not wish to take a position that will alienate some in his district, as he is embroiled in a tough re-election campaign, preferring that the decision be made for him by the national electorate.
Do we not expect our elected officials to demonstrate the courage to make tough decisions predicated upon principle, even when some of these decisions will be controversial?
OREN M. SPIEGLER
Upper Saint Clair, Pa.