To the Editor:

Re “Trump Taps Pence to Lead Response as Virus Spreads” (front page, Feb. 27):

Why should we be worried by President Trump’s naming Vice President Mike Pence to coordinate the government’s response to the coronavirus? Mr. Pence has an established and proven record in the scientific field.

Many of us remember that Mr. Pence wrote: “Despite the hysteria from the political class and the media, smoking doesn’t kill.” He is also a longtime climate change denier. And, of course, he has denigrated the theory of evolution while championing creationism.

As governor of Indiana, when H.I.V. started its rampage, Mr. Pence’s proposed solution was to have those seeking assistance change their sexual behavior. He initially refused to open needle exchange programs to stop the spread of the virus. Instead, he said the most important thing we can do is “pray.”

Mike Pence has succeeded already, because that is exactly what I am doing now. Not only for myself and my family but for my country.