Gianforte vs. Quist vs. Wicks

Vote based on ability, not emotion

Relative to the House of Representatives race, the election pot is boiling, but, as usual, with way too much of the “emotional” ingredients that cloud the real essence of this profound decision.

First is that Gianforte is not qualified because he is not a “native Montanan,” which would mean that about one-half of Kalispell and two-thirds of Whitefish should not vote as they aren’t “true” Montanans either. Clearly, this doesn’t make sense.

As for being a millionaire, it seems strange to extol someone who has had difficulty managing his personal finances and yet castigate someone who created a very successful business which employed hundreds of people in good-paying jobs and then sold it for a significant sum of money. Such an emotional appeal appears grounded in nothing but jealousy.

Gianforte is accused of just trying to buy this seat with his wealth, but I would rather have the money come from him personally rather than the millions of dollars pouring into the race for Rob Quist from the rich, liberal, big-city leftists who could care less about Montana. Finally there is the “good guy” angle. Sure, Rob is one of the truly nice guys around (most would say) but Greg is a wonderful man as well. Deeply Christian, philanthropic, giving, charitable, well-educated and, may I say, with the experience and of an age that’s perfect for this position.

The real issues are personified by Bernie Sanders, an old career politician mired in the swamp with an old message grounded in the far-left mantras of communism and socialism that are anti-gun, anti-Christian, anti-capitalism, against good-paying jobs from our natural resources, but pro welfare, for bigger federal government and an increase in bureaucratic administration — a man who welcomes more taxes and fully believes that more laws will promote equality and freedom. In short a message so far away from Montana thought and belief it boggles the mind. This is who Rob admires and wants to emulate? Really?

The real essence of this election is simple: Do you want to send back someone to D.C. who supports the old guard, the swamp and the policies of Nancy Pelosi or someone who wants to move our country and our state forward by supporting President Trump’s message to make America great again. Please vote but do not pay any attention to the non-applicable emotional appeals that really are not relevant. —Mark Agather, Kalispell

Gianforte’s ads ought to be a crime

Many people I have talked to feel the same as I do. Greg Gianforte should be charged with criminal indifference for subjecting the TV viewing public to over a year of continuous negative political ads. I am just sick of them! He should be strapped in a chair and made to watch them 24/7 for a month. Guess who is not getting my vote on May 25. —Mark Sheets, Thompson Falls

Quist’s ads are just so much ‘class envy’

Mr. Quist, as per your repeated advertising these days, it appears you have class envy. “Too many millionaires,” according to you and your TV ads. Please stop that. We are well aware of the “class envy” card, and also the other leftist ploy — the “race card” tactic — used in some m any elections. Both are now cliches — trite, boring and over-used! Most of us recognize this as pure desperation — nothing left in your quiver, so let’s pitch B.S. and see if it sticks. We’re on to you, Rob, and another lefty rep in Washington — we sure as h--- don’t need!

And in closing — go figure out another avenue to get yourself out of the financial hole you dug for yourself. We the Montana taxpayers ain’t bailing you out, or gonna later give you a lifetime pension either! —Will Elliott, Polson

Which candidate would you ask for financial advice?

Who would you go to for advice?

As I review the candidates for this special Montana election, I pondered of their capabilities and strengths. From that “pondering,” it came to me that maybe a couple of personal questions should be asked. The questions relate to “Who would I recommend my children talk to for advice?”

If my children needed financial advice, would I recommend Rob Q. or Greg G?

If my children needed business advice, would I recommend Rob Q. or Greg G?

As our government is a large operation, much like a major business, I might then vote for the individual that I recommended for business advice.

As our government has a tremendous impact on the finances of all U.S. citizens, I might then vote for the individual that I recommended for financial advice.

Our Congress has many responsibilities, of which overseeing the economy and providing a strong business base to keep as many citizens employed as possible, are but two. Therefore, it is our responsibility, as citizens, to send representatives to the Congress whose advice we would trust.

I urge all voters to ask themselves questions, like mine, to help them determine how to vote this election period. —Dale B. Heldstab, Columbia Falls

Gianforte won’t represent Montana

I saw a commercial this morning where Mr. Gianforte gleefully said that he would “Repeal the Affordable Care Act and drain the swamp in Washington.” Let’s see now: He is happy about repealing the ACA and throwing 80,000 Montanans off of health insurance? Interesting. And isn’t he another East Coast millionaire wanting to go to Washington to represent us Montanans by draining the swamp there? Of what? Millionaires? Vote and elect Rob Quist to Congress to represent us from Montana. A Montanan for Montana! —Daniel S. King, Bigfork

Wicks is the ‘practical’ choice for Congress

Congress has a popularity rating comparable to a Los Angeles used-car salesman because it is not working to solve the nation’s problems. Montana could have a voice in changing that if we elect Mark Wicks to replace Ryan Zinke.

After watching the debate last week I was very impressed with Mr. Wicks. I am a conservative and was moved by his vision as a practical man. He said he is an honest man; this should bring a breath of fresh air to Congress.

About immigration: he doesn’t understand why our government and the states spend billions of dollars supporting the illegals when they shouldn’t even be here. (If we denied them medical, education and social services plus employment, they wouldn’t have a reason to cross the border. Also, there would be no reason for a wall.)

On marijuana: Mark made an analogy with Prohibition; it never worked. Those who wanted alcohol had no problem getting it. We should legalize marijuana. The government can tax it and deny the Mexican cartels the profit.

I believe Mark is in step with Montana values. —Poul Houlberg, Kalispell