May 28, 2014

Dear Editor,

Throughout my candidacy to become Alabama's next Secretary of State, I have traveled the state, shared countless stories, and met with people in all sixty-seven counties. Sadly, I have recently become aware of smear tactics being utilized by my opponent to tarnish my name and reputation with so many of the people that I have had the pleasure of meeting personally throughout this great state.

Despite being endorsed by a significant number of conservative groups throughout Alabama, a recent commercial has depicted the photographs that I have on my wall in my office in Montgomery of the President and me when he visited Tuscaloosa following the tornado that devastated our community on April 27, 2011. This meeting was something that I took part in with profound honor representing the people whose lives had been affected by this natural disaster. I was able, during that time, to make the President aware of the tornado that passed directly through other areas of my constituency twelve days prior, on April 15, 2011, and I asked him to make the federal aid retroactive to include my constituents affected by that storm as well.

If someone wants to question my commitment to my conservative principles when I stood up for the people who elected me and needed help getting back on their feet following a natural disaster, then I am honored by the recognition and hope that all of my constituents understand that I will always do what it takes to protect and restore their well being.

Sincerely,

John H. Merrill

Candidate for Secretary of State