Mary Ellen Blake Sets It Straight!

Opine from Newspaper

Hello, Republican voters! (Others may skip this ….) We’ve all faced a ballot and blindly voted for — whoever? So, the Republican Party helps with a “slate card,” a glossy 3x8 listing endorsed candidates to take into the voting booth or put on your phone. It’s legal. All registered Republicans should have received one by now but if not, go online to www.ashtabulagop.com or call 440-992-3521.

Some candidates object to Party endorsement in the Primary. “Let the voters decide.” The answer: Due diligence. Remember George Santos, Republican ex-Congressman from New York? He resigned in disgrace as a cheat and fraud, costing Republicans a valuable seat in Congress. Had his home party vetted him thoroughly he never would have run. A political party owes it to its voters — and all citizens — to select candidates of integrity and ability. A background check is essential. Some candidates object, perhaps because of a drug history, felonies, even jail. That doesn’t necessarily disqualify, if the candidate has learned from past mistakes, is a better person today. A candidate who refuses a background check won’t be endorsed.

With two or more well-qualified candidates, the party may choose not to endorse at all. Then let the voters decide; may the best candidate win. Charlie Frye was endorsed unanimously by the Republican Executive Committee (having recused himself) because of his history of promoting excellent candidates who get elected, govern well and are persons of integrity. He’s been attacked, but he’s been vindicated each time. Of the four candidates for Central Committee, I vote for Charlie Frye.

Even with careful vetting a candidate may disappoint once in office and will not be endorsed in the next election. Thus incumbent Prosecutor Colleen O’Toole was not endorsed; instead, challenger April Grabman. She has my vote.

Grab your slate card this Tuesday when you vote, if you haven’t voted already.

Uh oh! Ugly truth. Most voters don’t vote the Primary. This hurts us all. Nationally, you want a candidate who shares your values. Vote! There is a mess in Columbus; sad-to-say, Republicans own it. Vote for a change-maker. (Charlie Frye) We can choose our local leaders; how great is that? World-wide, millions of people would gladly die for that privilege.

A lot depends on the primary.

As a poll-worker, instead of the usual ho-hum primary, I’d love to see an influx of Republican voters who realize what’s at stake and vote the slate.

Mary Ellen Blake

Ashtabula