Alan Cranston

I was drawn to George Skelton’s Nov. 1 column about former U.S. Sen. Alan Cranston, a man who more than any other defined and shaped grass-roots politics in California. Although he spent a lifetime mentoring many of today’s Democratic leaders and defining the issues that shape today’s progressive agenda, he incongruously dropped from public view after choosing not to run for reelection because of the Keating Five affair. That is a shame, for it is Cranston’s legacy that paves the way for much of today’s environmental, consumer and arms control efforts.

Before finally deciding not to seek reelection, Cranston crisscrosssed the state to reconnect with voters and talk to activists in public forums quickly organized by his staff. I attended such a panel in Monterey, where Cranston held the attention of a packed room with his quick wit and candor. Even in the face of adversity, he gave his heart and soul to California and his nation. We would do well to have a few more public servants like him.

DAN HAIFLEY

Santa Cruz