Next year brings a very important election. My wish is that voters will be wary of the “Big spike in outside spending,” (Sun Journal, Dec. 24).

The huge increase in negative attacks in campaigns and in politics is detrimental to the progress and welfare of the states and the country. What Big-Money interests are feeding the public are too often outright lies.

The public can hope that the press and media will fact-check what candidates and political packs have to say. However, there are very negative fliers that are sent to all voters so close to the end of a campaign that there is no time, nor is there anyone to take the responsibility to refute what those fliers claim. Coming near the end of the week before an election, they may also have the added benefit of influencing people who have not paid a lot of attention.

The debates on television are extremely helpful, as voters have an opportunity to see and hear each candidate’s views and ideas.

“Outside groups targeted 114 of 186 legislative races in 2010,” (Sun Journal, Dec. 24). Negative ads are the worst part of politics today. They make it extremely difficult for the voter to know the truth.

I hope that each and every voter will make an effort to learn the truth, and I wish them luck. The future of the state and nation depends on it.

Nancy Willard, Woodstock