This coming May, we will have an opportunity to vote in the Democratic primary to select the person best able to challenge Richard Burr for the U.S. Senate from North Carolina.

I'm proud to say that my vote will go to Cal Cunningham.

There are many reasons to vote for Cunningham, which will be enumerated as the primary campaign kicks into high gear. One, however, which stands out for me right now has been prompted by a fundraising letter that Burr recently sent out asking his supporters to join in the "Burr Brigade" to enlist and "earn" a military rank in exchange for campaign contributions.

How ironic given the fact that Burr served not one day in the military, twice voted against funding for armored vehicles for our service men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan, twice opposed funding to repair faulty military equipment and voted against pay raises for our troops and their families, the same week that hundreds of Marines left Camp Lejeune for Afghanistan.

In contrast, Cunningham earned his military rank through his years of distinguished service, including a yearlong tour in Iraq and a yearlong tour at Fort Bragg.

There is plenty of time for folks to switch their voter registration to Democratic or unaffiliated before the primary in order to vote for Cunningham.

Many people in Moore County and North Carolina are big supporters of the men and women who sacrifice for us daily. Here's a way to say thanks to them.

Jane Deaton

Pinehurst