Dear Editor,

Historically, in spite of political differences, the citizens of the “Fighting 9th” have worked together shoulder to shoulder volunteering our time and contributing resources to serve our communities.

To ensure that our hard work and dedication is mirrored by our congressional representative we need someone who understands our way of life and empathizes with our local issues.

We have been well represented by Congressman Boucher. He is a moderate and as such he represents all of us in the 9th: Democrats, Independents, and Republicans. Rick Boucher is one of us.

Just because Morgan Griffith can see the 9th Congressional District from his house does not mean he understands the unique challenges and needs of Southwest Virginia.

His determination to represent the 9th, even though he lives in the 6th district, exemplifies his arrogance and epitomizes the very definition of a carpetbagger. We, in the 9th, already suffer from the misconception that Southwest Virginia ends in Roanoke. We do not want and do not deserve to be represented by a political opportunist who, by this action, demonstrates this common faulty perception is his belief.

Sincerely,

Janet Hylton Tate
Laurel Fork, Virginia

Mary Hughes
Christiansburg, Virginia