Like many Southwest Washington voters, I base my vote on a candidate’s character and their passion to serve their constituents and support their needs, not the needs of other politicians, of business, of religious organizations, or the needs of other special interest groups, whether they be the NRA or Planned Parenthood. I look at their track record, their personal values, and their stated or demonstrated desire and ability to serve their constituents.
For example, following these principles, I voted for Congresswoman Jaime Herrera Beutler, a candidate with whom I often disagreed (and let her know), but a candidate who worked for the people of Southwest Washington. Yes, she voted to impeach President Donald Trump, a politically risky move in this time, but a classic example of integrity and commitment to personal values, i.e., character.
Jaime was also willing to make legislative decisions based on what served her constituents and this often involved working with legislators across the aisle. Jaime understood the world isn’t black and white, it is an increasingly complex and nuanced palette of grays, or if you prefer, colors. This willingness to follow her values and to work with Democrats earned her the label of RINO (Republican in name only). Of course, this label presumes that a real Republican ignores the long-standing party values of small government and low taxes in favor of conservative religious ideals and fealty to Mr. Trump.
This country has been divided by and into extremes and if we can’t work together, show respect for each other, and seek common ground, we are a doomed nation, and it is critical that our elected leaders follow these principles. What the people of Southwest Washington don’t need are candidates dedicated to an extreme position, left or right. We need candidates who will listen to us, not to the special interest groups, someone who will show courage and stand up to the self-serving political pressure from the extremes.
I hope that when Southwest Washington voters consider the candidates, they will ignore the “D”, “R”, or whatever party with which a candidate chooses to affiliate and will select the candidate who can best work with other leaders to serve their constituents.
Pete Small,
Ridgefield
