TALK-SHOW HOST IS NOT A VIABLE CANDIDATE

Regarding Ben Shapiro's commentary, "Would radio talk-show hosts stand
realistic chance of challenging politicians for office?" (July 30), in which
he repeatedly bashes the great Massachusetts representative, Congressman
Barney Frank.

While talk-show host Chuck Morse talks a populist game, one must realize
that if he were elected he would not do anything that would benefit the
district but rather act as a rubber stamp, voting in block with other
Republicans to support their right-wing utopian ideas.

I have met Rep. Frank and worked with his office on the issue of medical
marijuana, of which he has been a tireless supporter, introducing his States
' Rights to Medical Marijuana Act each session. The Republican majority
response is to bottle the bill up in committee so it never gets a hearing,
despite the fact over 80 percent of Americans oppose caging their sick and
dying fellow Americans for using medical marijuana to regain a little
dignity in the face of serious illness.

In the unlikely circumstance where Morse were to defeat Frank, this bill
would have to find new sponsorship, and Morse would certainly vote in block
with his GOP colleagues to keep it from ever getting a fair hearing, against
the overwhelming wishes of the people of the district or the American people
as a whole.

Frank is obviously very popular with his constituents, and although he makes
a convenient target for Morse's demagoguery, the people of the Massachusetts
4th congressional district are obviously smart enough to recognize that
Morse will not represent their interests, but would actively work to hurt
them.

Gary Storck

Madison