Vote with values and principles

<div>Let me start by saying, I DO have a candidate in mind that I’d like to see become President of our country. In no way does that influence my opinion during the writing of this, nor is it relevant to what I’m trying to convey. </div><div> </div><div>I woke up this morning to the article from Jennie Christensen titled “Cache Republicans still not buying into Trump” (no, this isn’t about Trump either). There were many quotes and opinions from the Cache County Republican Chairman in the article. Chairman Boyd Pugmire is quoted at one point saying “I think when it comes to the nomination, the people will realize that we need someone who will win in November. That should be our number one priority: who is the most electable.” It’s to that point that I’d like to address this opinion piece. </div><div> </div><div>I believe that statement to be totally contrary to the way the voting system was designed and ultimately the founders intended. We should never vote based on “who is the most electable.” Instead, we should vote based on a candidate who falls inline with our principles and values. It doesn’t matter which party you’re part of. Democrat, Republican, Libertarian, Constitutionalist, or Independent; it makes no difference. Take the time to study each candidate and vote for the candidate that aligns closest to you. The point of voting is to send a representative of YOU to office, not the person you voted for because they had the highest probability of winning for your chosen party. Winning the game isn’t as gratifying if you compromise yourself to get there. </div><div> </div><div>Later in the article Chairman Pugmire is quoted as saying, “When you look at electability you need to be looking at moderates, you need to be looking at independents, you need to be looking at conservative Democrats because we need their votes too.” I interpreted that quote as “Compromise your principles and values because we really need OUR guy to win.” Enough is enough. Why are we concerned about casting a vote based on winning percentages? Especially since there is no guarantee he or she will ultimately win. If you stand by your beliefs and a candidate (still running) has similar beliefs, that is where you should cast your vote. If everyone voted their principles and values instead of probabilities, we would be in a much better situation both nationally and politically. </div><div> </div><div>Don’t play the probability game. Vote your values, do some research, don’t vote a straight ticket, and find the candidate(s) that will best represent YOU. That’s the way it was designed and that is what has long been forgotten. Any Chairman who tells you otherwise or tells you who you should vote for, in my opinion, is not a true leader. That’s the reason we end up compromising year after year until the party that once stood for our values finds it’s self completely lost from what they used to believe and currently still say they stand for. </div><div> </div><div>Elections are more important than you know. Take the time to find a candidate that will lead in the direction you believe we should be lead. Please, don’t forget to vote. All of these things are what a true leader would and should express to his constituents, not tell you who or what you should pull the lever for. </div><div> </div><div>Don’t just vote for the guy most likely to win. Stand by your values and principles.</div><div> </div><div>- Matt Hale</div><div> </div>

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