Chris Peters will build consensus

I have been an active participant in national politics since the Truman - Dewey campaign.

From the 1970s, my personal role model in politics was Jim Leach. A man of independent thinking. A man respected for his evaluation of issues. Not just another party guy. He challenged his president on more than one occasion with a more moderate thought.

I remember 12 years ago when Johnson County voters said, 'Jim's a special fellow but we need a change.”

Today, voters are saying, we need a change. The incumbent has been an ineffective legislator.

My wife and I have known Dr. Christopher Peters for over 10 years. He is my new Jim Leach.

Peters is running on a positive message of restoring cooperation and civility in the federal government. He has independent thought. His medical background puts a new thought into health care challenges.

We need a congressman with a passion for building consensus and transcending partisan ideology. Peters is up to the challenge.

Shirley and Ray Hendrickson

Iowa City