RINO, RIP: It's time to end the name-calling

I first registered Republican to support former state senator Shawn Keough. I liked more (not all) of her values better than her Tea Party challenger's. Some called me a hypocrite — a RINO (Republican in Name Only.)

Nothing is hypocritical about playing for a political team, just as Shohei Ohtani did not become a “Dodger in Name Only” when he moved to Los Angeles. He's still a well-respected player.

278 people called “RINOs” voted for Jim Woodward because Jim is local, and will protect our healthcare, our schools and other local values. Note that 8,219 “real” Republicans joined them. Herndon got 7,606 “real'” Republican votes.

Closed primaries attempt to keep us from deciding which person represents our interests most.

The Open Primary Initiative, on the ballot in November, allows everyone (including independents) to vote in the same election. We won't have to agree with every single mandate of the Bonner County Republican Central Committee/Idaho Freedom Foundation to have a voice. The winner will always have the support of the majority.

Hey — I have an idea — Let's stop calling each other names. Let's elect legislators who focus on our needs, instead of denying us books, healthcare, and school funding. Let's vote for open primaries.

NANCY GERTH

Sagle