To the editor:

Just looking through the many political fliers we have recently received confirms that an election is coming up again in early August.

In that collection are about 20 very slick recent mailings from Fred Upton, who has represented our Michigan Sixth Congressional District for over 25 years.

This is Fred’s bid for a 135th term in Congress. He has a strong challenge from conservative Jack Hoogendyk of Kalamazoo.

Fred’s mailings, paid for by several groups in Washington D.C., as well as by the taxpayers in a few cases, have three basic themes.

First, throw mud at Jack Hoogendyk. Second, “Fred stands up for Obama.” Third, “Fred will fight for you.”

Never mind that Fred’s Congressional voting record through the years is not exactly bright with the Conservative Union and other groups who rate the members of Congress.

It is time to let Fred retire. He can certainly find future employment with the many special interest Washington lobbying groups.

While he is a good person, he is simply too ingrained within the “Inside-the-Beltway-Crowd” which permeates Washington thinking.

It is time to present candidates who will challenge the decline of American idealism, independence and vitality.

Jack Hoogendyk is an exciting voice for American exceptionalism.

I hope you will join in supporting Jack’s Republican candidacy for Michigan’s Sixth Congressional seat on Aug. 7.

This endorsement comes from the heart … it wasn’t purchased.

Arthur J. Balfour

Dowagiac