I found Larry Hoff’s letter (“Lewallen is best for Republicans,” Our Readers’ Views, April 20), in which he mischaracterizes Joe Kent as a “fringe candidate” and a “failed candidate” for losing the general election in 2022 while praising Mr. Kent for his military service, to be a curious juxtaposition for a Republican to make.
Abraham Lincoln, arguably the greatest Republican president, served in the Illinois militia with the rank of captain and suffered at least three election defeats before being elected president. Had general election failure been the sole criterion for determining a candidate’s suitability, then we would have been denied the leadership that bound the country together in its darkest moment.
I do not know Leslie Lewallen. I do know that whatever Ms. Lewallen’s credentials are as a “true conservative” and a Republican, she did not speak at the Clark County Republican Convention, nor did she speak to the 3rd Congressional District attendees at the Washington State Republican Convention. The first thing Ms. Lewallen needs to do if she wants to lead 3rd District Republicans is show up.
