<return address withheld>
February 17, 1990

The Hon. Howell Heflin
United States Senate
Washington, D.C. 20510

Dear Mr. Senator:

I have followed your career for many years. My mother-in-law, a citizen of Alabama the Beautiful, your great state which you represent, has been one of your best supporting citizens. She plans to continue to vote for you as long as you care to run (or walk). I, however, have no say in your elections, being as I am not a citizen of Alabama, which I have visited many times and must say is indeed beautiful (although I am told Mobile Bay is very polluted, at least it doesn’t look dirty).

I am more concerned that you continue to do the fine job that you have been doing with the Ethics committee. I personally believe ethics are very important for honest government. I recently read that Ronald Reagan’s Iran-Contra Scandle Diaries are being impounded by the judge overseeing Admiral Secord’s trial. I must admit that the whole Iran-Contra thing shook my confidence in the honesty of the American Presidency. Then came Senator Towers and his alleged drinking and carousing. Then came Jim Wright’s failures at incompetency. I liked Jim Wright and am sorry he was driven off. And what about Judge Alcee Hastings? One has to wonder.

Anyway, criminals come and go from power, but you in your honesty and incorruptability have stood as a rock, defying fly-by-night hidden scandles and resisting dishonesty. I am glad (proud) that you are in our government. You have indeed presented a solid model of what, how, and why government should be!

Although they say "hair doesn’t grow on an active brain," it certainly does on yours. Please continue your good works in the Senate and in your various other self-sacrificing responsibilities! It is urgent that you not be suede from the task at hand (honest government the people can trust)! I would be honored if you would send me an autographed photograph to me. I used to have one of you, but then the trailer got torn up in Hugo and it got all wet.

Thanks again for your consideration and the photo! Keep America strong in values and ethics!

Faithfully yours,

Phil Saunders

P.S. Keep an ever watchful eye on Richard Shelby, but don’t let him know you are looking. It’s just a feeling I have.