First published in The Manhattan Mercury, June 20, 2006.

Bob Strawn is for real; voters should meet him.

To the Editor:

A few weeks ago during a meeting of Riley County Republican Women, I had the opportunity to meet Bob Strawn, the party's candidate for the House of Representatives in the 66th District, and his wife, Julia.

This 6-foot-something gentle man was completely at ease with this room full of ladies as he laid out his ideas and plans for winning his district's seat in November. It struck a very pleasant chord in me to watch him move from one individual to the other, look each squarely in the eye and give each one complete and undivided attention. Bob had never met me before (and perhaps some of the others there that day), but on the few occasions since where our paths have crossed he has never failed to acknowledge me and greet me with a warm handshake.

You say, well that's what politicians are supposed to do, and perhaps it is, but fortunately I have a sixth sense about people who are for real and those who are not. Bob Strawn is for real. For those of you in the 66th District, do yourself a favor; go meet Bob Strawn and find out what he's all about. You'll be glad you did.

Virginia M. Miller
4300 Cedar Ridge Drive