Letter to the editor: Supporting Don Dahl
Supporting Don Dahl
To the Editor:
A recent Marion County Record editorial accusing Rep. Don Dahl of hypocrisy deserves a second look. Linking his acceptance of political contributions from Native American tribes to his opposition of expanded gambling does not ring true. Assuming the acceptance of one affects the advocacy of the other attempts to cast a shadow on the integrity of an honest and direct lawmaker. Better think twice about drawing such inaccurate assumptions about this Hillsboro Republican.
Since joining the Kansas Legislature over a decade ago, Rep. Dahl made it known early on that he did not support expanded gaming in Kansas. I should know. As a pro-gaming Democrat from Leavenworth, a community enthusiastic about expanded gambling, I pay particular attention to the opposition. Not once did Rep. Dahl waver or change his opinion. That's why linking these contributions to a shift in attitude is so preposterous.
You see, Rep. Dahl draws his political conclusions from a deep well of well-reasoned convictions. Chief among them is truthfulness. Because I witness his belief system as the ranking minority member on the committee he chairs, I see from day to day the forthright and honest manner in which he handles the legislative process. Those who come before our commerce and labor committee are treated with respect and an unfailing courtesy. These admirable characteristics also extend to not only his fellow legislators but more important to all Kansans.
I count myself among the fortunate for having the opportunity to work with Rep. Dahl. His reputation in Topeka holds no hint of duplicitous intentions. His opposition to gaming and the extension of gambling in Kansas never varies regardless of his political contributions. To say otherwise is a disservice to a man of integrity and one I consider a true statesman.
Rep. L. Candy Ruff
Kansas Statehouse
Room 323 South
Topeka KS 66612
785-296-7647
