To: senator_carnahan@carnahan.senate.gov

Subject: John Ashcroft

My dear Senator Carnahan:

May I  assume that you are supporting John Ashcroft's confirmation as Attorney General of the United States?  President-elect Bush could not have chosen a nominee with more honor, grace, integrity and honesty than Mr. Ashcroft.

We Missourians wish you well in your new duties.  Please view all your senatorial actions in the light of the authorizations and restrictions contained in the Constitution of the United States of America.  I ask that you  reject any proposed law or concept that does not conform to the Constitution and its definition of the role of the central government.

Respectfully yours,

Jacques Tucker

Senator Carnahan's response, obviously boilerplate.

Date: Fri, 12 Jan 2001 22:59:59 -0800
From: Senator_Carnahan@carnahan.senate.gov  (Senator Carnahan)
Subject: Rule:Re:John Ashcroft
To: Jacques Tucker <jacq@jacq.net>

Thank you for contacting my office regarding the nomination of Senator John Ashcroft for United States Attorney General.

As you know, under the Constitution, the United States Senate is responsible for providing advice and consent regarding Presidential nominations. The Senate plays an extremely important role in the nominations process, and I approach that responsibility with the utmost seriousness.

I am concerned about the increasingly bitter tone that surrounds the Senate confirmation process of presidential nominees. I feel that all appointees should have a full and fair hearing before any judgments are rendered. We should do everything in our power to ensure that the nominations process does not discourage honorable men and women become [sic] from agreeing to serve.

Senator Ashcroft should be afforded the opportunity to outline his vision for the Justice Department and to personally respond to Senators’ questions. In my view, to render a judgment on this appointment before Senator Ashcroft has had this opportunity would be unfair to him. Therefore, until such time as I have had a chance to hear Senator Ashcroft's testimony, I intend to keep an open mind regarding his appointment.

Jacq's translation:  There ain't no way I gonna vote for thet white male conservative Christian ...
but I'll listen to him before I vote "no."

Thank you again for keeping me informed as to your position. My ability to serve as an effective representative of the citizens of Missouri is strongly enhanced by your active involvement.

Sincerely,

Jean Carnahan