The Democratic primary is an important event for all registered Democrats and registered independents who want better representation in Washington.

Richard Burr, our incumbent senator, has approached his responsibilities more like a pastime than a real job. He has been identified as the member of the Senate who attends the most parties (i.e., social gatherings, not political events), and he seems more interested in spending time with K Street lobbyists than with his colleagues in committee and subcommittee hearings. In these challenging times, we need representatives who take their job responsibilities seriously.

Fortunately, there are a number of good, serious people seeking the Democratic nomination in November. I think the best of the lot, with the best chance of unseating Burr, is Cal Cunningham.

As an Army reservist who has spent over 900 days on active duty since 9/11, including a year on the ground in Iraq, Cal Cunningham has an intimate understanding of the needs of military personnel serving in war zones, those who have returned with injuries and the members of their families. He is committed to seeing that these needs are effectively met. A lifelong resident of the North Carolina, he understands the impacts of plant closures on communities and has developed the most comprehensive plan to support short- and long-term job creation.

Most importantly, Cunningham is committed to public service. That is why he ran for, and was successfully elected to, the N.C. Senate at age 26. That is why he switched his reservist status from the Navy to the Army after 9/11 because he understood that the real action, and need, would be on the ground, not at sea. That is why, in these most challenging of times, he chooses to give North Carolina, and the U.S., a thoughtful vote in the Senate.

Brian Deaton

Pinehurst