Completely predictable

Re: your June 8 article, "Tobacco firm funds county GOP":

How completely predictable that in an article that points out that both parties accept contributions from Altria, we get a headline singling out Tony Strickland and the GOP. The fact that Democrats accept money from the same source is buried in the article and almost excused. Not only that, but some of the contributions made directly to Hannah-Beth Jackson's campaign were from Democratic candidates who received money from Altria. How hypocritical of her to criticize Strickland for accepting help when she has done the same from indirect sources.

Maybe if Democrats were as upfront and honest about things as Strickland has been and stopped trying to fool the public, the Legislature they control wouldn't have led us into the poor economic situation we're facing, including a multibillion-dollar deficit. We need people like Strickland to put an end to the waste, fraud and abuse in Sacramento.

— Samantha Harrison, Moorpark

What about Obama?

I love the quote from Bill Gallaher, chairman of the county Democratic Central Committee: "It's kind of like what your momma told you," he said. "You're judged by who your friends are." So how does Mr. Gallaher feel about a racist, anti-Semitic and anti-America mentor like the Rev. Jeremiah Wright? Or a friend and supporter like convicted felon Antoin Rezko? Or a friend who helped launch a certain Illinois state senator's political career who is an unrepentant terrorist who bombed our Pentagon? Does Mr. Gallaher feel this is indicative of Sen. Obama's character and judgment? Or is his contempt saved for tobacco companies?

Why is accepting funds from a tobacco company repugnant to him, yet supporting his party's nominee acceptable? What about Sen. Obama's friends?

— Mitch Silberman, Thousand Oaks

Example of bias

What a stellar example of The Star's political bias! In an article in which Timm Herdt freely admits both parties and their candidates have received money from Altria, both the headline and subhead mention only the GOP and Tony Strickland. The readers of this paper need to realize that between now and November, The Star's mission will be to help get Hannah-Beth Jackson elected while pretending to be unbiased. Don't believe everything you read and be sure to get the whole story before swallowing this propaganda hook, line and sinker.

— Josh Guthrie, Ventura

Jackson's friends

If Bill Gallaher, chairman of the county Democratic Central Committee, is correct that we're judged by who our friends are, then perhaps people should be aware that most of Hannah-Beth Jackson's campaign contributions have come from extreme labor unions, trial lawyers and controversial organizations like Planned Parenthood.

I also haven't seen her ask the Democratic Party to return contributions from the same source she criticizes the Ventura County Republican Party for.

Once again, I am disappointed that The Star has decided to bash a Republican candidate and stay quiet about the inconsistencies with his Democratic opponents.

— Mark J. Masterson, Ventura

Let's be consistent

It didn't take me long to discover that some of Hannah-Beth Jackson's campaign contributors were recipients of funding from Altria.

These contributors are either current or past Democratic candidates for office in California.

To be consistent with the statements she made in this article, she should return the money she received from these sources.

Will she?

— Tressa Golden, Ventura