In Support of Dean: Don't Judge Candidates by Sound Bites

Dear Editor,
   
   This letter is in response to Mr. McJunkin's condemnation of Gov. Howard Dean ["Postmarks" online, Jan. 22].
   Don't be so quick to judge a man based on an out-of-context 30 seconds of overexuberance, when there is an 11-year record in Vermont to examine. Upon this examination, you'll find a man of courageous leadership and well-honed management skills who produced tangible results – for example, he extended health care to almost all children in the state, provided a meaningful prescription drug benefit to Vermont's older citizens, extended conservation lands, promoted rural economic development – all while balancing the budget, 11 years in a row. Gov. Dean delivers results, not rhetoric.
   Gov. Dean earned my respect because of his proven leadership and candid nature – he stands up for what is right, even when it isn't popular. The governor didn't lose my respect when he showed himself to be human and fallible. I urge you to take a closer look at substance, not image.