When Congressmen die their survivors often become their successors—either by appointment (Carnahan in Missouri) or by running in the next election (sometimes a special election called due to the death of a Congressman). Does anyone have a problem with this form of nepotism?

Are we to assume that a spouse somehow develops special talents and abilities to assume office during the marriage? Is there re—incarnation at work? Now we here that Doris Matsui will be seeking the congressional seat held by her late husband, Robert Matsui. 

She was immediately and enthusiastically endorsed by Democratic House Leader Nancy Pelosi, thereby automatically being granted front—runner status and probable access to any funds necessary to run her campaign. Shouldn't the Congressional leader of the party have a bit more respect for the practice of democracy than to use her powers in such a non—democratic fashion? Perhaps Mrs. Matsui earned the respect of Pelosi when she proclaimed one of her priorities would be to allow federal funding on stem cell research, which she believes offers hope for the disease that caused her husband's death: pneumonia brought on by myelodysplastic syndrome, a rare form of bone marrow disease.

This issue has resonance in California as shown by the passage of the referendum there providing three billion in state taxpayer money to fund research in this area. This must gladden Representative Pelosi since the stem cell issue was one of the issues wielded most effectively against George Bush.
 
One's heart goes out to Mrs. Matsui. Her husband was imprisoned during the shameful internment of Japanese Americans during World War Two. He went on to become a very well—respected member of Congress. The attributes that brought him such success do not automatically transfer to Mrs. Matsui. We extend our sympathy to her for her loss but does that necessarily entail our votes? Such entitlement does not deserve a place in a democracy.

Matt Puflea    1 13 05