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The acronym RINO (Republicans in Name Only) is a derogatory term used by conservative members of the Republican Party to describe Republicans whose political views or actions they consider to be insufficiently conservative. This concept has been prominent in the United States in one form or another since 1912.

On the flip side we have the DINO (Democrats in Name Only) which is an equally derogatory term used by liberal members of the Democratic Party to describe Democrats deemed insufficiently liberal.

In a perfect world none of us would declare or register for any Party. We would all vote for the candidate who we believe would best represent us in county courthouses, state and federal offices.

Meanwhile, in order to support Mike Boeck for the Idaho House, Jim Woodward for the Idaho Senate and Donna Gow for Bonner County Assessor in the May 15 primary, I have had to temporarily change my registration from Unaffiliated to Republican. That definitely makes me a RINO and I’m happy to do that in order to win their primary contest.

Please go to the polls on May 15. The only way we can put Mike, Jim and Donna into office is by turning out on primary election day. You can bet that supporters of their opponents will be turning out in force. Voting in our primaries is generally on the low side. Let’s change that with this primary election. Support Mike Boeck, Jim Woodward and Donna Gow.

HELEN NEWTON

Sandpoint