December 1, 1972 Honorable Brooks Hays Post Office Box 1001 Winston-Salem North Carolina 27102 My dear Mr. Hays: I appreciate your very kind letter. As I said on Election Night, I was very much impressed with your colorful and hard-fought campaign, and you are to be congratulated for waging it so effectively. As you noted, we do have significant differences in matters of political philosophy and government policy, but I still admire and respect you for your many years of dedicated service to your country and your fellowman. I believe both our campaigns helped focus wider attention on the serious danger facing the people of Ashe and Alleghany Counties with regard to the Blue Ridge Project, and I appreciate your gracious offer of assistance in this matter. With best wishes to you and Mrs. Hays for a happy holiday season and for a successful and productive future, I am Sincerely, WILMER D. MIZELL WDM:WB