I read with interest your recent ­article in which Richard Morgan explained why he is challenging Sen. Harris Blake in the Republican ­primary.

From my reading, Morgan seemed to raise four issues: 1. He stated, “There’s a lot to admire about Harris.” 2. He stated, “He’s honest.” 3. He ­validated that “there’s never been a hint of scandal [with Harris].” 4. The primary reason motivating him to run is a supposed vote by Blake for a $25 million fishing pier at Nags Head.

Regarding the first three points, I wholeheartedly agree.

Regarding the fourth point, Morgan’s concern is misplaced. Anyone need only contact Republican House Leader Paul Stam. What one would learn is that when House Bill 628, titled “Aquarium Satellite Areas Funding,” was brought before the House on March 17, 2009, lawmakers were led to believe that the entire project would be paid for using gate receipts.

Accordingly, the bill passed the House unanimously by a 111 to 0 vote. From there it went before the Senate and was also passed unanimously by a 49 to 0 vote.

Once Republicans realized that the project would indeed cost taxpayer funds, they took at least two actions to stop the funding and were defeated along partisan lines by the Democrat-controlled legislature.

Accordingly, Blake’s credentials as a common-sense fiscal conservative are impeccable and unspoiled. If Morgan has a problem with Blake on this issue, then he has a problem with the entire Republican Party. However, this is not the first time that Morgan has put his personal interest above that of the entire Republican Party.

I hope Republicans will remember that when they go to the polls on May 4.

Stan Bradshaw

Pinehurst