The Democrat and Chronicle's endorsement of Randy Kuhl for the 29th Congressional district has all the marks of a coerced confession. Since our letter to that paper may not be printed there, here is a brief list of the statements made in the editorial, with our interpretation:

- Eric Massa "fails to connect with his constituents." Yet polls show Mr. Massa significantly leading in the polls and that his approval rating 19 points higher than the incumbent.

- Randy Kuhl has no Washington clout. Yet he can be expected to deliver on local interests? Irrational.

- Randy Kuhl has "grown in office." The only evidence offered is that Mr. Kuhl is "less defensive." A gross rationalization.

- Randy Kuhl has "improved with time. That trend must continue." Hysterical optimism.

- "Kuhl can do it. He must do it." A desperate cry for the impossible.

We recall when many newspapers like the D&C offered opinion out of integrity and journalistic rigor, but an independent fourth estate is a romantic notion, replaced by cynical agents of corporate interests.

CHRISTINE SEVILLA, TIMOTHY WELLS, ROCHESTER