Letters: Only one Republican in the mayoral primary

As a former Philadelphian and loyal Republican, I have been watching the GOP mayoral primary campaign with interest ("GOP candidates who could shake up Phila.," Sunday). When I lived in Philadelphia, I was a local party loyalist. I ran for office twice, and served as a committeeman.

So I am baffled that the party establishment would recruit Democrat-until-a-month-ago Karen Brown and back her in the primary.

A friend pointed out that Ronald Reagan had also once been a Democrat. But Reagan supported two Republican presidential candidates while still a Democrat and changed his registration four years before running for governor of California. Karen Brown is no Ronald Reagan, having actively worked against Republicans until, well, a month ago.

Unlike Brown, John Featherman has been involved with the Republican Party for years. He's supported Republican candidates, hung signs for them, knocked on doors for them, and is an elected committeeman. He is, in fact, the only Republican in the Republican mayoral primary.

Steve Kush

Albuquerque, N.M.