Vancouver resident Ann Donnelly shares her thoughts on the efforts of the Republican party to win elections in Southwest Washington

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

I couldn’t agree more with Editor Vance in his plea for Republicans to unite to win elections. For want of 2800 votes, we lost the 3rd Congressional to the Democrats. 

To win these races, we need not only all the Republican votes (including those hated RINOS) but we need Independents. We do not live in a red district. Far from it. The heart of our 3rd Congressional is the 49th District – need I say more? 

Joe Kent is/was a great candidate with a stellar background and experience but he fell short with the moderate/liberal Republicans and the Independents. It is no disgrace to get those votes! To the contrary, it is essential. So we Republican activists need to stop insulting “RINOS” and try to get their votes on election day, and the same for Independents. 

I know so many Republicans who are huge opinion leaders in the Vancouver business community who are denigrated as RINOS. They represent thousands of votes – many more than would have elected Joe Kent. Liberal Democrats are our opponents, not other Republicans. 

Thank you, Editor Vance for your timely editorial.

Ann Donnelly 
Vancouver

---

Also read:

• 
  Opinion: Sheriffs fight back
  Four county sheriffs are suing to block a new law giving a governor-appointed board power to decertify and remove sheriffs, bypassing voter oversight in Washington.
• 
  Opinion: The growing gap between public voice and political power
  Todd Myers describes how large-scale protest and sign-ins often fail to sway state leaders, and argues authentic influence is most likely found through local action.
• 
  Opinion: Who is winning the race for affordable power?
  Hydroelectric power keeps Washington competitive, but new laws and carbon pricing are driving up electricity costs for residents each year.
• 
  Opinion: Half the road, full stop – Understanding pedestrian right-of-way
  Doug Dahl explains how Washington’s law requires drivers to stop when a pedestrian is within one lane of their half of the road, not just when directly in front.
• 
  Opinion: The state’s RFK-proofing bill comes with a cost
  Mandates like HB 2242 can lead to higher premiums as insurance companies absorb costs for new preventive services, affecting affordability statewide.