Well, here we go again. I had hoped for better, but Joe Garrison's June 15 letter shows that we can expect more information- distorting "swift-boating" tactics in this election, unfortunately even in Moore County.

I am unwilling to let the Democratic Party be characterized as a bunch of anti-American misfits. Anyone who made an honest effort to learn who comprises today's Democratic Party would find an interesting mix of professional people, including those from the educational and health-care fields, small business owners, and blue collar workers. We are attracting large numbers of younger folks and significant numbers of veterans.

The Moore County Democratic Party is proud of the full slate of candidates being put before the voters in this election, particularly Betty Mangum for the state House. We stand ready at any time to discuss the virtues of these candidates in relation to their Republican opponents. But we will do this only on the basis of public policy positions held by the candidates, and their respective qualifications.

We will not stoop to the mud-slinging tactics and uninformed rhetoric reflected in Mr. Garrison's letter.

Fortunately, I do not think that the style of Mr. Garrison -- and a few others I could name -- represents the majority of the Republican Party. I applaud John Owen for joining me in writing the series of articles on policy issues that is appearing in The Pilot.

I hope that the tone that John and I are trying to set -- namely, fact-based arguments in support of the positions of our respective parties -- will guide more of the letters that are submitted to The Pilot as we proceed through this very important election season.

Brian Deaton, Pinehurst

Editor's Note: The writer is chairman of the Moore County Democratic Party.