Republican disagrees with Shewmake supporter

Dear Editor,

In your [August 30] story regarding the Chesterfield County Republican Committee's acceptance of Will Shewmake into membership, you quoted an unnamed member of the County Committee as saying, "For all those who sent e-mails against Will, not one had the courage to stand up in the meeting and speak against him."

I supported Will Shewmake'smembership on the County Committee, but I must say that this characterization of his opponents is incorrect. What actually happened in the meeting is that a long string of Shewmake supporters spoke in his favor while the opponents waited. They intended to wait until all the supporters had spoken before they spoke. I didn't know this was what they intended (although I had expected them to speak), so I called for the question. The Committee then voted to close debate, and the opponents never got a chance to speak.

I disagree with those who opposed Shewmake's entry into the Chesterfield County Republican Committee, but I would never characterize them as lacking the courage of their convictions.

It is now time for us to stop fussing and get about the business of electing Don Sowder, the Republican candidate for supervisor from Midlothian Magisterial District.

Thomas V. Van Auken Member, Chesterfield County

Republican Committee