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Jan. 23, 2023 Editor, The News-Gazette: When Ben Cline was our Virginia state delegate, I met with him several times requesting his support of antigerrymandering legislation in Richmond. Although he acknowledged the tacit unfairness of politicians selecting their own voters, and claimed he would work to find a compromise, he never followed through. Instead, he fell in line with his political party and opposed any efforts to establish fair redistricting rules. Despite their stonewalling, a groundbreaking anti-gerrymandering law was passed by our state legislature, which now serves as a template for other states.
Now Ben Cline represents us in Washington, where voting rights continue to be a crucial issue. Again, he sides with those who focus on false claims of stolen elections, rather than ensuring free and fair election processes.
This MLK day I am reminded of the sacrifices Martin Luther King Jr., John Lewis and thousands of others made to obtain the 1965 Voting Rights Act. And of the work Stacey Abrams and many others continue to do to fight ongoing voter suppression aimed at people of color. I am also reminded that Ben Cline continues to oppose the restoration of the Voting Rights Act as well as all efforts to end gerrymandering and voter suppression. And I am assured that any statements he makes touting the legacy of Dr. King ring very, very hollow. ANNETTE GREEN Rockbridge County
