Opinions Have Consequences

I can't please everyone, nor should I try

I had a couple of uncomfortable conversations yesterday.

One of the downsides to getting involved in politics is that you will inevitably disappoint people. If there are two good candidates in a race, and after doing my due diligence I select one to support, then the other will be understandably frustrated. “How do you not see what I see? I’m the best candidate, and my opponent is terrible!” That is life, though. We all see things differently.

My goal with this publication is to communicate as much information as possible about what is going on in our state and in our communities. I hope to build bridges, not burn them. I am sometimes tempted to straddle the fence, to avoid taking a stand or going out on a limb, hoping that I can keep everyone happy. But that is not the right thing to do.

I am going to call things as I see them. That does not mean I am always right, and my readers are under no obligation to follow my lead on any candidate or issue. I want to develop a reputation as someone who will always say what I truly believe, without ulterior motives. I will not endorse a candidate simply because I expect him or her to win, hoping to be rewarded for my loyalty later.

I am also not going to endorse a candidate just because he or she is part of a slate with other candidates I like, nor will I denounce them for being a part of a slate of candidates I dislike. I will evaluate each candidate on their own merits, as best as I can, and share that information with you.

One day you might read my newsletter, pump your fist and say, “Brian gets it!” The next day you might read another, shake your fist and say, “What is Brian thinking?”

I get it.

I endorsed Ed Humphreys on this very page nearly three months ago because I thought his perspective, his plan, and his ability to communicate with the people made him the best option for that office. I tried to make it clear that in doing so, I was not denouncing Steve Bradshaw, Ammon Bundy, Janice McGeachin, or anyone else working to unseat Governor Little. I decided to make a choice rather than sit on the fence. Endorsing one candidate does not mean I must despise the others, especially when I believe they agree on many important positions.

I have said more than once that the races in District 14 are tough ones to call. There are things I like about all the candidates who are running for our two House seats and one in the Senate. I could just straddle the fence and say they’re all great, vote for whomever you want! But I think that is the coward’s way out. I want to share with you exactly what I think and believe, but do it in such a way that I do not alienate the candidates I did not select. In the next few weeks I will be making endorsements in these races, so stay tuned. If a candidate who I did not endorse ends up winning, then I hope there will be no hard feelings. I will see you at the Capitol, ask you questions about your legislation, and will keep my readers updated about your work.

If you decide to hold a grudge, that is on you, not me.

You know, it’s funny. Two years ago I had rarely ever met with candidates for office. I briefly chatted with a Republican running for Congress in Washington’s 9th district back in 2012, and as a PC in King County I met my state representatives once or twice. Today, I cannot imagine casting a vote for someone before hearing them speak, hearing their opponent speak, and having face-to-face conversations with both.

My goal here is to have those conversations, to do as much research as I can, and to share what I learn with you. That will surely ruffle some feathers now and then, and that’s ok. We still need to come together as a party, as a movement, once the primary is done. Dan McKnight likes to remind us of President Reagan’s maxim that someone who you disagree with 20% of the time is still an ally, not an enemy.

If you continually hold out for someone you agree with 100% of the time, you will eventually find yourself a party of one.

I will keep speaking my mind, and you are free to do with that information what you wish. I have appreciated all the encouragement you have given me lately. However, if you want to send me a message to tell me what a fool I am for something I said, then that is welcome too. I thank you for reading!