I am responding to the Oct. 5 front-page coverage of your newspaper, ``Bush Backpedals.'' As a conservative Democrat, it is very difficult for me to try to focus on the issues when I read a newspaper that attempts to uneven the playing field. I am writing about how The Tampa Tribune gives this article front- page coverage with four weeks to go in the election, yet the Miami Herald and other newspapers throughout the state do not give the subject an inch of ink. How dare Alisa LaPolt or anyone question Gov. Bush and his character and credibility at this time in the election process? It is nothing more than tabloid journalism and media hype to the citizens of a county that Bill McBride calls home. I can only hope that your readers can see through the Tribune's story and focus on the issues. Just because McBride is from Tampa doesn't make him the best choice. Janet Reno's out; now, let's attack Bush? It is sad that the Tribune attempts to make Bush's sidebar conversations an issue at this point. Politics is dirty. I am sure McBride speaks the same behind closed doors. Democrats and Alisa LaPolt alike are doing anything and everything they can to minimize Bush's relevance in this election. There is no need for the Tribune to get involved in the hype. Let's be fair and balanced, Mother Trib. I am certainly not going to change my opinion of Bush or his policies because of the actions of a tabloid journalist! *******Tampa