Re: “Gluesenkamp Perez spars with Democrats over handpicked successor” (Nov. 18, Nation):
I want somebody would clarify to me the explanations for common condemnation by congressional Democrats of U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez ’s procedural problem to the anti-democratic actions of retiring Illinois Congressperson Chuy Garcia. What Garcia did, guaranteeing that the timing of his retirement announcement resulted in his chief of workers being the one candidate for the seat, was an obnoxious gaming of the system. It deprives voters in his district any significant alternative or public debate on points. Not solely was Glusenkamp Perez the one Democrat to name out this dangerous, anti-democratic habits, she was universally condemned for it by members of her social gathering. It is a dangerous search for Democrats.
Washington is fortunate to have MGP as a conscientious consultant in a often purple district. Any criticism of her from coming from the left is sorely misplaced.
John Zilavy, Seattle
