District Attorney Tonkin was, is, and remains a Republican

​​​​​To the Editor:
This is in response to Denise Fey's letter of Aug. 4.

I was at the Pike County Democratic Committee picnic as well. Her letter clearly is a stranger to facts.

First, Kelly Gaughan was not "parading around our picnic." To the contrary, as the committee stated, she was received "cordially." She was there, as a responsible candidate should, to introduce herself and find common ground on the pressing issues in this county that a district attorney can address. Whomever you vote for, you should know the issues in the campaign and the candidates.

Ms. Fey stated that "Ms. Gaughan attempted to entice the group to withdraw their support of Tonkin." As a candidate endorsed by the committee, Ms. Fey should know that the committee in fact voted not to endorse him because, surprise, he remains a Republican and the committee does not endorse Republicans.

Further, with the exception of Ms. Fey and perhaps one other, the Democrats in attendance were the ones appalled — at the Democrat-bashing smear flyers Tonkin mailed to Republicans during their primary. Did you not see the flyer of Ms. Gaughan flanked on the left by Kathleen Kane and on the right by President Obama? Did you not see the photo of the yard sign emblazoned with President Obama's campaign logo, along with the slogan "Obama for District Attorney"? Oh, and in small letters at the bottom, as required by the election law, were the words "Paid For By Friends of Ray Tonkin."

This is the candidate you are seriously asking Democrats to support?

He is not even a DINO (Democrat In Name Only). He was, is, and remains a Republican.

Don't worry, Ms. Fey, I will still vote for you, as I will vote for Dave Ruby and Steve Guccini for Pike County Commissioners, along with the other Democratic candidates. But I will not vote for Ray Tonkin, even if he tattoos a donkey on his forehead before the general election.

Oh, you did ask in the opening of your letter, "Why do politics need to be so nasty?" Maybe you can ask that of the person who defaced a Gaughan billboard on the three lane last week.

Yes We Can!
Robert Reno
Milford