I am writing to address Daniel J. McCue's article regarding the Papal Blessing I received. The article alleges that the press release was issued in reference to the Papal Blessing and was claiming an endorsement from Pope John Paul II. That is completely untrue, and I am offended that Mr. McCue would politicize this incredible honor.

The article claims that the press release was a "political mailing," when it was in fact a press release, clearly labeled as such, and in the same format as hundreds of other press releases issued by my campaign. Nowhere in that release is the word endorsement even mentioned, and before Mr. McCue wrote his article he spoke to my press secretary, Harrison J. Edwards Jr., who made it abundantly clear that this was a Papal Blessing.

Mr. McCue should be well aware that the Catholic Church does not endorse candidates, and by making this implication he has insulted me and the Catholic Church. Any confusion was decidedly put to rest as soon as Mr. McCue spoke to my press secretary. I am outraged that Mr. McCue could even consider putting a Blessing from Pope John Paul II on the same plane as a political endorsement.

I was bestowed this spiritual honor because of the hard work I have done and for the work I hope to do, and I would never attempt to politicize one of the proudest moments of my life and that of my family. I believe Mr. McCue owes Pope John Paul II, the Catholic Church and myself an apology and the record should be set straight. The title of that release was "Greg Becker Receives Blessing from Pope John Paul II," and the article should be re-printed as such.