Does Jill Derby have to open her campaign with an attack on Dean Heller? According to her, Heller just follows the Republican line. Yet at the Republican Lincoln Day Dinner, Heller stated, "We (Republicans) truly need to change," adding that the Republicans mishandled the war, had undisciplined spending habits and corruption. Sounds like Heller is pretty independent to me!

I have had the opportunity to speak to Dean Heller and found him to be honest, forthright, a good listener and trustworthy. Heller conducts monthly phone forums with constituents, regardless of party affiliation. His votes in Congress thoughtfully reflect input he receives. He's against amnesty for illegals, supports the War on Terror, better border security and finishing up in Iraq, knowing the negative effects of our early withdrawal. He's against the Democratic plans that call for the largest tax increase in U.S. history.

Regarding Project Vote Smart (on the Internet), Heller states he voted against the expansion of the SCHIP because "If H.R. 3162 just focused on improving children's health care, my vote probably would have been different. Yet 75 percent of this bill cut Medicare and raised taxes on the middle class ... Medicare cuts affect 30 percent of seniors in Nevada ... This legislation includes ... mandating new taxation on private health plan." This bill would have eliminated the current proof of citizenship requirement.

Heller's voting record, as well as his reasons for his votes, are on the Internet. Let's make this a positive campaign, and not say, "Here we go again."



Douglas Hill

Fallon