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AN OPEN LETTER TO CONGRESSMAN NICK RAHALL

September 16, 2002

The Hon. Nick Joe Rahall

Member of Congress

3rd District, West Virginia

Dear Congressman Rahall,

First, I understand you will be returning to West Virginia on Tuesday, and I want to be the first to welcome you back home.

Many things happened while you were in Iraq attempting to meet with Saddam Hussein, and I thought it might be helpful to bring you up to date.

· On Wednesday, Sept. 11, as you were departing for Iraq, thousands of your fellow West Virginians observed the first anniversary of the terrorist attacks on our nation. Memorial services were held across the Mountain State. You might have learned something about your district and your state had you attended them.

· On Thursday, Sept. 12, as you were arriving in the Middle East, President Bush was at the United Nations making America’s case for regime change in Iraq, outlining the many injustices and acts of lawlessness perpetrated by Saddam Hussein against his own people and his neighbors.

· Also on Thursday, the Charleston Daily Mail editorialized about your trip to Iraq, writing, “Rahall's sudden freelancing in diplomatic matters is different. Not only does it clearly violate the separation of powers, it jeopardizes the safety of American soldiers, sailors, Marines and airmen by sending a mixed message about the nation's resolve to rid the world of this menace.”

· On Friday, Sept. 13, while you were trying to arrange your tea with Saddam and while you were making speeches in front of the flag of Iraq with a giant picture of Saddam Hussein the background, Daily Mail columnist Bob Kelly wrote, “Last year … Rahall was in a tiny minority when the House voted 409 to 6 to extend the Iran-Libya Sanctions Act, which penalizes firms that invest in Iranian and Libyan oil and gas industries. Rahall also opposed the Patriot Act, which passed 357 to 66 in the wake of Sept. 11. It expands government power to track down terrorists. It was this vote that motivated Paul Chapman -- an ex-state trooper, ex-101st Airborne trooper, and ex-Democrat-- to put up $1,500 to run as a Republican against Rahall this fall.”

Mr. Kelly is correct, Congressman. Your lack of resolve to defend America’s interests, and your complete disrespect for your constituents, our country and our President all point out the need to give the voters of the 3rd District a choice in this election. If you can find time between your visits to sworn enemies of the United States, I look forward to debating these and other issues with you as the campaign progresses.

Welcome Home.

Respectfully,

Paul Chapman

Candidate

3rd Congressional District

Chapmanville, West Virginia