There are a few things that I would like to call attention to in response to Jessica Opoien’s recent column “Republicans, Limbaugh drifting further from opinions of mainstream America.”

It could be argued that there is a need for centrist ideals in parties to open up opportunity and to lessen partisanship.

Truth is not the issue, rather the strong implication lingering in Ms. Opoien’s article that political diversity is “welcomed” in the Democratic Party.

Respectfully, I believe it is a little innocuous to think that just because the president, vice president, or any member of the Democratic Party, say that they welcome Sen. Arlan Specter’s move with “open arms” means that political diversity is encouraged — even if it’s conveyed by Republican moderates. Statements of such goodwill look good only in the media lime light.

The same can be said for Sen. Specter’s remark about “representing the people of Pennsylvania.”  What about the primaries?

Sure, he represents the people of Pennsylvania, but it can’t be ruled out that he switched parties because his voting record was leaning more Democratic with the primary around the corner.

Furthermore, what about Mr. Rush Limbaugh?

Officially or unofficially the spokesman for the GOP, I don’t believe he single-handedly plays such a large role in this, which seems to be more accusatory than anything else. The “Limbaugh Party” ideals — right or wrong — have been around long before he was ever mentioned to be a lead component in the GOP.

Bottom line, the lack of political diversity is evident in both sides, and to believe otherwise is insensible.

A contrary survey by Rasmussen on the American Thinker, April 29, shows favor of the GOP 41 to 38 percent — the 41 percent for people who would vote for a Republican in their district, 38 percent for Democrat.

 — Joshua Saucedais a sophomore in English from Addison, Ill.