Saddened by grandson’s letter

Because of the implications of a recent letter with the potential to politically mislead family, friends and relatives, and because its content is so egregiously at odds with my views and those of my family, I write to clarify. My grandson John Block, who wrote the letter, is absolutely entitled to his own political opinions, but is not entitled to directly or indirectly attribute the same opinions to my deceased husband or me, as has been done.

Despite my public position with the House of Representatives for 57 years, I am a very private person who values family, friends and faith above all else. My political views are secondary and I’ve always refrained from expressing them publicly. During my many years in the House, I had the good fortune to interact with legislators and establish many lifelong friendships with both Democrats and Republicans. These valued friendships were created during a time when decency, equality, fairness, kindness and, above all, trust, reigned — they were not based on political views.

My letter then is to clarify that I neither agree with nor condone my grandson’s letter of endorsement for three Republican candidates for governor, senator or Congress. Much to the contrary, I strongly support the Democratic candidates in these races.

I am particularly saddened that my grandson has cast Senator Heinrich unfavorably in this letter — especially after he was entrusted with an internship in the senator’s office that he seemed to enjoy and learned from.

ELOISA BLOCK, Former N.M. House of Representatives assistant chief clerk for 57 years Santa Fe