To the editor: One of the things that makes our democracy great is the opportunity for a citizen to run for public office. Many of our senators and representatives come from the fields of law, education, and business, while a large number have worked their way up from state and local government. (“Steve Garvey is confident Dodgers and Padres fans will boost his Republican Senate bid,” Jan. 14)
From time to time, like when former Dodger great Steve Garvey ran for a Republican U.S. Senate seat in California, movie stars and sports heroes throw their hats in the ring.
There are reasons to question Garvey's qualifications, but the most important is that he is running against two of the most popular and hard-working members of the House. I'm already having a really hard time choosing between Reps. Adam Schiff (D-Burbank) and Katie Porter (D-Irvine).
Because the top two vote-getters in the March primary advance to November, the three well-qualified Democratic veterans (Schiff, Porter and Rep. Barbara Lee of Oakland) could split the vote, giving the runner-up spot in November to Garvey.
Lynn Lorenz, Newport Beach
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To the editor: Garvey says he voted for former President Trump twice and that Trump was the top choice on the ballot in 2016 and 2020. He said there were “good things that Trump did,” but he won't identify them. And he said he doesn't have an opinion on who is responsible for the violent pro-Trump insurrection on January 6, 2021.
Good. More of the same from a Republican politician who fears offending Trump but tries to act like he's not in the MAGA wing.
Maybe one day the Republicans will once again be a party with values that respects facts. But until they get the message that coddling and enabling MAGA cult members will continue to cause them to lose elections, it should be the duty of every citizen to pitch in and help them lose decisively.
I liked you as a player, Mr. Garvey, but take a stand on the truth and stick to it, or you won't get to first base with the Californians.
Gary Stockdale, Los Angeles
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To the editor: Garvey was a phenomenal baseball player and had a great career. Now that he is in the political arena, things are different.
I can't help but think about the political career of Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama). He is another successful sports figure who has become a disaster as a senator.
So I simply ask all voters to be cautious: heroism in sports does not guarantee the same in politics.
Jim Shahan, Oak Park
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To the editor: Why waste so much coverage on Garvey's Senate bid?
I haven't missed a single election since I turned 18, but I had never heard of any former baseball players before I was born, that is, until The Times started free advertising.
Who cares? Today's Dodgers have a better chance, not disappointing in October, than Garvey of winning in California.
Michael Smallberg, Menlo Park, California.
