From the letters to the editor in the Des Moines Register today:

Like many Iowa Democrats, I take our first-in-the-nation caucus as a serious responsibility. With that in mind, it was particularly disappointing to read the Register's Dec. 16 endorsement of Hillary Clinton.

While the endorsement talks about Clinton's preparedness to lead the nation, the reality is that we need a Democratic candidate who is qualified and is a mediator, who can get elected and heal this nation. Clinton will do the opposite, just by being there. The endorsement says that "unfortunately, for many Americans, perceptions of Clinton, now 60, remain stuck in a 1990s time warp."

Boy, does that say it all: Perception is everything. Clinton's very presence is divisive. Even if she were to win the nomination, she cannot win the election. Suggesting that she carries too much baggage is an understatement.

I have been a Bill Richardson supporter since this past spring when his TV ads introduced him, and I maintained my support through the Harkin Steak Fry and the Jefferson Jackson dinner and after listening to all of the candidates. I have had lots of opportunities to give in to the media's forcing the top three candidates down my throat and to be swayed by other campaigns at events.

Richardson and Clinton are not alike. Bill Richardson is the most qualified candidate on all fronts, but he is a mediator who can regain trust and respect internationally for our country. He can draw Republican and independent voters next November and win the election. Clinton cannot.

- Sean Sullivan, Cumming, Iowa.