Noble profession?

To the editor:

I am running for office against State Rep. Jay Hoffman who has held the position for nearly 20 years.

Many people have told me I am a "brave lady." The words surprised me as I felt they were undeserved and too strong. I expected negative campaigning such as half-truths, words taken out of context and have even joked nervously that lawsuits might be filed against me or my husband as part of the dirty tricks scare since that tactic has been used more than once around here.

Today, however, I write this letter as I wait for my third flat tire in as many days to be repaired.

The first was discovered while parking at the ball game in 95 degree heat. Cassens found a nail in the side of the second one while repairing the first.

I discovered the third as I was loading my car for a long vacation drive. A car care specialist discovered another puncture.

In 45 years of driving, my flat tires have been few and far between, therefore, I am quite sure that my three consecutive punctured tires are a warning and/or harassment for running against the political machine.

This letter, however, is not meant to be accusatory (since I cannot prove my theory) as much as it is meant to be a commentary on modern day politics. That I should come to such a conclusion and that friends and strangers should use the word "brave" to describe someone who challenges a powerful politician, speaks of the poor impression most of us have toward politicians and politics.

Politicians should run on their own record and stand on their own merit. Instead, most resort to dirty tricks, verbal tracking and worse, whoever punctured my tires obviously didn't think about or care that I might be stranded on the highway for hours with my three dogs in a hot car or that my husband might have been on his way to doing emergency surgery when the flats occurred.

This kind of activity is pure meanness and goes beyond the pale of what should occur in a political race.

Roosevelt called politics a "noble profession" where "healthy combativeness" clarified differences and choices.

That was then, this is now -- win a tall costs. Oh, that Roosevelt's words still ring true.

Carol Kugler
Candidate for State Representative
112th House District