Letters to the editor (Oct. 21, 2018)

Moderates

I’m afraid the upcoming gubernatorial election of 2018 will be similar to the 2016 presidential election for those of us who are willing to be labeled ‘moderates.’ You see, when candidates talk about their ‘base’ it doesn’t include most of us. We prefer to vote for candidates, regardless of party, who best represent our views. With continued political/social incivility in our country fomented by the far left and the far right, a majority of us don’t feel represented at all. In 2016, when faced with a couple of lousy choices in the presidential election, many ‘moderates’ voted against someone rather than for a candidate.

So, what about the 2018 Kansas gubernatorial election? If we’re left with the two major party candidates, how do ‘moderates’ make a wise decision? I would answer this question by encouraging them to first ignore the ‘R’ or ‘D’ after the person’s name. Also, evaluate the candidates’ views on issues that affect Kansans like the economy, education, healthcare and taxes and not get too hung up on issues that are decided at the federal level. ‘Moderates’ do have strong feelings about hot-button issues, but those will not be influenced significantly by the next governor. The law of the land is just that.

So, ‘moderates,’ I encourage you to do your homework and help elect the best candidate for the job. Unfortunately, in this election, we may be forced to again vote against a candidate rather than for one.