Since I’ve never written a letter like this, it’s difficult to know where to start. But I feel so positive about Mike Mahaffey, I feel almost duty-bound to convey this feeling to you.

Mike is the Republican candidate for the 3rd District Congressional seat. I’ve known him personally and professionally for more than 20 years and can recommend him without qualification.

Poweshiek County knows and respects Mike’s ability. He was first elected as county attorney in 1978. And the voters in the county have given Mike a strong stamp of approval by re-electing him in 1982, 1986, 1990 and 1994.

On the state level, Mike served on the GOP State Central Committee from 1982 to 1987. He capped his service with two years as chair of the Republican Party of Iowa from 1987 to 1989.

Married for 25 years, Mike and his wife Patti have three children — Matthew, 18, Mary, 16, and Patrick (P.J.), 6.

Over the 20 or so years I’ve known Mike Mahaffey, I have always found him to be very intelligent, highly principled, honest, fair and someone I know I could trust to do the right thing at the right time. It is also important to add that Mike is a good and patient listener. And he also has a good sense of humor.

Okay, you say, so what’s the point?

Mike Mahaffey will be covering this very large third district in his campaign and will probably stop in your town and visit your paper. All I could ask, as an Iowa newspaperman of some 47 years, is that you give him your honest and fair treatment.

Albert J. Pinder

Grinnell