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Since my unsuccessful run for state representative for District 1 one year ago, I have had time to observe the workings of our state government and those who support and oppose our elected officials. It is from those observations that I write this letter.

I am dismayed by the attacks on Rep. Sage Dixon, R-Ponderay. Regardless of your position on any issue the personal attacks on this man’s integrity are unwarranted. I believe Sage Dixon is honest, dedicated and hardworking. To say he is working to deny our constitutional rights is absurd.

The old “special interest” pejorative is being thrown around way too often. Every side in this debate has their “special interest” advocates. As I shared at the forums, I grew up with many of my supporters here in Bonner County. Some of them happened to grow up to be Democrats. I can assure you their financial support did not corrupt me. I received support from many groups around the state that represented the interests of their industries including our teachers, farmers, and loggers. These financial contributions are important to any candidate running for office.

Politics is not for the faint of heart and requires a lot of courage to stand on your principles. If we are to recruit and retain people of the highest integrity it is imperative that we not drag our great state to the level we are currently seeing in our national discourse.

MICHAEL D. BOECK

Sandpoint