Editor, Gazette-Journal:

I read Mr. Cooney’s letter (“Yankee carpetbaggers,” Oct. 5 Readers Write) regarding Mr. Gillespie’s qualifications to seek the office of Governor due to his lack of local Virginia connections.

Well, I had to wonder if he questioned Mr. McAuliffe’s qualifications for his job as he was born in New York, went to Georgetown University in Washington, D.C. (close but no cigar), Senator Tim Kaine born in St. Paul, Minnesota, schooled totally outside Virginia or Senator Mark Warner, born in Indianapolis, Indiana, lived in Illinois and Connecticut, educated in Washington, D.C.

None of these gentlemen have “Virginia roots” so would he call them carpetbaggers as well? I sure do.

Enough said, Mr. Cooney.

Mesa Allsbrook

Hallieford, Va. ...