Yes, I'm pretty certain the implication was the DeVos was only appointed because her family has donated so much money to the party. If you don't find that problematic, well, then I'm not sure what to say. The fact that she's "not the only one" who's been appointed because of monetary influence doesn't make me feel any better about it, nor should it.

As for your obsession with a lawsuit: 1) this is a letter to the editor, not a news piece. Perhaps you weren't aware. Defamation is not a criminal offense. If speaking out against public officials becomes criminal, then we're all screwed. 2) Betsy DeVos bringing a lawsuit against the Register-Guard would probably be the worst PR move in history.