In 1995, we had an idealistic new representative in Washington. That's when Rep. Frank LoBiondo, R-2nd, signed the Contract with America, which promised tax relief for families, not millionaires; a balanced budget, not the highest national debt ever; and fairness for seniors, not drug plans that benefited pharmaceutical and insurance companies.

LoBiondo voted against investigating possible contractor overcharging and fraud in Iraq when pointed out by government inspectors. He voted to impeach one president for lying to a grand jury about personal matters while defending another for deceiving the nation into a pre-emptive war, authorizing prisoner torture in violation of international treaties and federal statutes and indefinitely detaining people without due process.

LoBiondo is guilty of abetting President Bush in upsetting the balance between the executive and legislative branches, which have allowed Bush to reduce Americans' civil liberties. It is past time to replace LoBiondo with someone who doesn't believe national security and civil liberties are mutually exclusive concepts.

Nick Reina

Milmay