Want to Be "Well Represented" in Congress? Contribute to Dean Heller!

You wouldn't believe it but Dean Heller is being praised by a constituent. James L. Pincock, MD, of Carson City wrote a letter to the editor of the Nevada Appeal which has been published today:

Heller's office was quick to help Nicaraguan patient

In light of recent televised attack ads aimed at Rep. Dean Heller, I thought it might be appropriate to let the public know that some of our elected officials are involved in issues other than the war in Iraq, and actively engaged in service to the citizens of Nevada. My recent experience with Mr. Heller and his office demonstrates a high level of commitment, and considerable experience in negotiating the machinery of state. I would like to briefly share my experience.

I go to Nicaragua once or twice a year on craniofacial surgical missions. On my last trip in November we saw a young man in the clinic with a huge tumor involving his face, throat and skull base. Surgery to remove this tumor could not be safely accomplished in Nicaragua, and arrangements were made to bring the patient to the United States for treatment. At the last minute, problems arose with getting him a visa in time for him to arrive in this country for surgery. Anyone who has dealt with the State Department can attest to the multiple levels of telephone menu bureaucracy that basically preclude any normal citizen from talking to a human being, let alone anyone who might actually be interested in helping to solve problems. Multiple e-mails, letters and calls were ineffective. I realized that I needed someone who could grease the wheels of State, and prompt the appropriate personnel to expedite the visa process for this unfortunate young man. One call to Dean Heller solved the problem.

I have known Dean for many years, and when I called and asked for help, he promised that Verita Prothro, his assistant, would call me the next day. Promises are easy for politicians to make, but I felt cautiously optimistic that help might be available. Verita did call, and together with her assistant, Gloria, immediately contacted the U.S. Consulate in Nicaragua and arranged for an expedited visa interview. Everything happened in an efficient process that helped restore some faith in government. Mr. Heller's staff was interested and involved throughout this process, and without their help, the visa never would have been issued in a timely fashion. They even called after the interview date to make sure that the visas had been issued, and that plans were moving forward.

Dedication, professionalism, competence, and willingness to go beyond the minimal required are traits that are becoming rare in society and especially our government. Rep. Heller and his staff went well above and beyond what others might have done, and have allowed one young man to receive life-saving help. When others might have chosen to not get involved, he and his staff chose to help, a fact for which I am very grateful. Verita and Gloria are part of Mr. Heller's staff in Nevada, and I can only surmise, but if he has surrounded himself in Washington, D.C., with assistants this capable, we will be well served and well represented.

See, we bloggers aren't that evil. We post praise of Dean Heller. We have no problem with that whatsoever.

We just like to do our homework, too. And when you read that "Rep. Heller and his staff went well above and beyond what others might have done" you're truly impressed, unless of course, you forgot what was written a few lines before:

I have known Dean for many years, and when I called and asked for help, he promised that Verita Prothro, his assistant, would call me the next day.

Now, have you ever gotten directly through to your congressman? Probably not, but then he's not your friend. So, we digged a little deeper and, oh, what did we find?

A May 7 2005 contribution of $1,000 by James Pincock of Carson City to Dean Heller for Congress.

What's the lesson of all this? If you want to be "well represented" in Congress have the Congressman as your friend and make sure you've written a check in advance.