Refusal to concede is issue of principle

This letter is in response to the letter by Phil Heil on June 5 entitled, "Oberweis failing to respect process."

The congressional election held on Nov. 3 for the 14th District continues to raise serious doubts among many voters regarding its integrity and accuracy. On the evening of Nov. 3, the election results were tabulated, and by the end of the night it was determined that Oberweis had won the election. However, in the wee morning hours of Nov. 4, mail-in and drop box ballots began to mysteriously appear from some of the counties within the gerrymandered 14th District, progressively shrinking Oberweis' lead, and eventually giving Lauren Underwood the win. Challenging the final election with a limited recount was faced with many roadblocks.

Congress invited Oberweis to the congressional freshman orientation, which he attended in Washington, D.C., as it was believed that the problems in this election would be resolved. Unfortunately, such a resolution is very difficult to accomplish regardless of where the truth exists.

Instead of calling Oberweis' election challenge as "political theater," "a distraction" and "legal bluster," Underwood could have demonstrated sound character to welcome a review in the process of an honest and fully transparent recount.

In May, U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi called for the vote to pass dismissal of Oberweis' election challenge.

Refusing to concede to an election where serious concerns still exist does not reflect a breach of character, but reflects one of principle. Uncertainty over the validity of the final result also generates doubt among voters, which makes it difficult to move forward.

Until the legislature and governor clean up the conduct of our election procedures, legitimate votes will remain compromised, thus eliminating merit and creating doubt in the aftermath of all elections held in Illinois.

Karel Jones

Pingree Grove