A few thoughts on who to vote for

Former U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates recently commented, "The greatest national security threat to the United States is the two-square-miles of the White House and the U.S. Capitol building." This comment was made in reference to the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection and some of the extremist elements currently camped out within the Republican Party.

It has long been said that "all politics is local," but the problems that exist nationally have been brought to our doorstep right here in Boundary County. We have elements right here that are a direct threat to the very institutions we hold dear.

The following list of endorsed candidates is provided, because I know and trust where these candidates stand on the issues:

Federal:

U.S. Senator — Mike Crapo

U.S. House of Representatives, District 1 — no endorsement.

State:

Governor — Brad Little

Treasurer — Jennifer Economu

Lt. governor — Scott Bedke

Secretary of State — Phil McGrane

State Controller — Brandon Woolf State Senator, District 1 — Jim Woodward

State Representative, District 1, Position A — Mark Sauter

State Representative, District 1, Position B — Sage Dixon

State treasurer — Julie A. Ellsworth *

Attorney General — Lawrence Wasden

Superintendent of Public Instruction — Debbie Critchfield

Boundary County:

Assessor — Olivia Drake

Clerk — Glenda Poston

Commissioner, District 2 — Tim Bertling

Commissioner, District 3 — Dan Dinning

Coroner — Chad Workman

Judicial:

(Judicial votes are affirmation votes for current judges, or a successor for a retiring judge.)

I do not recommend an affirmation for JUDGE Barbara Buchanan.

Precinct:

Bonners Ferry/Kootenai — no endorsement.

Moyie Springs — Caleb Davis

Naples — Dave Wenk

North Bonners Ferry — Lester Pinkerton

Valley View — Sue Larson

• Be advised that Julie A. Ellsworth's opponent in November's general election will be Democrat Jill L. Ellsworth. Take note of this now, as it may be confusing for you in November.

The above list are "safe" votes for traditional, mainstream Republicans. Since there are so many new names on the ballot this year, I feel compelled to share the above recommendations.

Thank you for making your voice heard.

GERALD B. HIGGS

Bonners Ferry