Mike Reilly

Published online on Sunday, Feb. 01, 2009

Age: 69

Occupation: Co-owner, with brother Chet, of Duracool Refrigerants and Shamrock Consultants.

Hobbies: Politics; Fresno State sports; NASCAR; participating in my children's and grandchildren's activities, accomplishments and successes.

Bee reader since: 1951

How many letters: 11 since 2002

Favorite topics: Traditional conservative values, politics, ag issues, the war on terror and protecting our country.

Why do you write? To express my God-given conservative views and opinions. To support our country's war on terrorism. To support our veterans and active duty military personnel. My grandson, Mike, is an Army Ranger and has served three tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Reaction to letters: Most of my family and friends enjoy my conservative opinions; my liberal friends don't.

Excerpt from recent letter: "It was nice to see President Bush leave the White House with class and dignity. I am mostly thankful to him for thwarting so many terrorist plots and for keeping all of us safe since Sept. 11, 2001. I will always remember the way he pulled the country together."

Topic that doesn't get enough attention: Voter fraud. When we vote, no photo ID is required to prove citizenship or even prove who we actually are. We have to show our photo IDs when cashing a check, boarding a plane or getting pulled over for speeding. So, why shouldn't we be required to show a photo ID when we vote?

Education: Clovis High School, Fresno City College and Fresno State College.

Family: Single; three children: Tim, Kathy and Mike; a stepson, Scott; seven grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.

Political philosophy: Passionate conservative. I believe in small government, term limits for all politicians and an end to all earmarks for special interests when enacting new legislation.

-- Compiled by Pam Rowse