Even before the Judiciary Committee finishes its hearings, why would Congressman Peter King (R-Seaford, 3rd C.D.) come out so forcefully against impeaching the president? These hearings are a constitutional process designed to defend the cornerstone of our democracy, the rule of law. The committee must deal with the fact that Mr. Clinton's acts of perjury, obstruction of justice, and witness tampering are serious direct challenges to our judicial system.

Two Republican members of that Judiciary Committee, Bob Barr of Georgia and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, have expressed on television their firm disapproval of what Mr. King has done. Congressman Graham put it this way: "For heavens sake wait until you hear the evidence."

Is Mr. King supporting the president because he believes it is right, or because of the polls? Or could it have to do with his consistent support of President Clinton, no matter what the issue may be? For example, King votes more and more liberal with each passing year he spends in Congress.

When Anthony Lake had to withdraw his name from consideration as director of Central Intelligence, why, in his March 17, 1997 letter to President Clinton, did he thank among others Senator Kennedy and Peter T. King for their support. What does Mr. King's consistent backing of President Clinton do for the interests of the Republican Party and the country?

If Mr. King believes so adamantly in the goals and objectives of the Democratic Party as expressed by Mr. Clinton, why doesn't he become a Democrat? Could the reason be that there are so many more Republicans in the 3rd Congressional District than there are Democrats?

Robert Previdi