Earlier this year, Martin was the Socialist Workers candidate for city council chair in a special election called after the death of the incumbent. In an editorial endorsing the only other candidate, Democratic city council member Linda Cropp, the Washington Post said Martin was "out of phase with the views of most voters." The socialist replied in a letter to the editor that was published August 3 under the heading "Working-Class Campaign." Below we reprint that letter, as it appeared in the Post.

While I'm not surprised that The Post chose to endorse Linda Cropp rather than me for D.C. Council chairman [editorial, July 21], I object to the designation of my campaign program as "so out of phase with the views of most voters."

In this election, the Socialist Workers Party sought to put forward a working-class alternative to the politics of austerity promoted by Democrats and Republicans alike who aim to attack and gut vital social entitlements and programs that working people and their unions have won over the decades. That's why I campaigned aggressively against cuts in education and health care and for immigrants' rights, affirmative action and women's right to choose abortion. I will continue to call for funds for schools - not for cops and prisons.

I have insisted that everyone should have a right to a decent-paying union job. This could be implemented by initiating a massive public works program to repair and upgrade the schools, hospitals, roads and bridges, and by cutting the workweek to 30 hours of work at 40 hours' pay to spread the available work around.

Throughout the campaign, the Socialist Workers Party attempted to set a modest example of the importance of working people and their unions breaking from the parties of the ruling rich and setting upon the road of independent political action with a program that could organize and mobilize workers and farmers in defense of their rights. I'll continue to support protest actions by workers and students here in the District against the death penalty and cutbacks in funding for the University of the District of Columbia.

Yes, I plead guilty to The Post's charge of being for international solidarity. Defending the Cuban revolution and speaking out against Washington's economic embargo and travel ban on this Caribbean island will remain one of my top priorities.

The strike by 4,500 steelworkers against concession demands by Wheeling-Pitt and the militant sit-down strikes by Argentine auto workers against Fiat's attempt to bust their union are examples of how working people can fight effectively against the worldwide crisis of capitalism.

MARY MARTIN

Washington

The writer was a candidate in the recent race for D.C. Council chairman.  
 
 
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