There's no reason to not question Labrador

I read Linda Cook's recent letter to the editor regarding Raul Labrador, and was pleased to see someone was finally asking the questions for which I too had been seeking answers. I have to admit, I am a bit surprised by the malicious responses from Labrador supporters.

There is nothing inappropriate or wrong with Ms. Cook asking Raul Labrador to clearly state his positions on immigration. I would like to hear these questions explained as well. If he explains them before election, it is much easier for his constituents to hold him to those statements if he is elected. Due to his occupation as an immigration attorney, voters would be foolish not to ask these questions and expect a thorough explanation of his position.

But then, perhaps this is exactly why Mr. Labrador has not been very clear on where he stands ... maybe he does not want to be later held to any statements he makes now. How are we to know unless he tells us?

Ms. Cook has some valid questions that have not been answered - on Labrador's website or anywhere else - regardless of what Labrador's supporters claim. For example: "Do you fully, without reservation, support Jan Brewer and the case that the state of Arizona is making in order to protect itself?"

I had the same concerns as Ms. Cook in the primaries and came to the conclusion Vaughn Ward would be the better candidate. When I read that Mr. Labrador was against finishing the fence to protect our borders, while Vaughn Ward supported it, my decision was simplified.

It seemed to me Mr. Labrador knew he had to appear tough on illegal immigrants to win the primary, but that he did not have the same strong convictions as those of Mr. Ward. I also had received documentation that Mr. Labrador defended an illegal alien that committed murder, but was allowed to stay in our state due to Labrador's defense. Clearly that is cause for concern. There is certainly nothing wrong in voters asking for explanation on these issues before voting for Labrador in the November election.

Mr. Chausse reminds us that actions speak louder than words. Maybe that's the problem. Labrador's actions as an immigration attorney speak volumes and may present opportunity for conflicts of interest. His decisions also affect the security of our citizens. Labrador's voting record shows he was absent from 46 votes in the 2010 session. That is hardly "exemplary" in my opinion.

It may very well be that Mr. Labrador is the better choice over Walt Minnick, but there is only wisdom in Ms. Cook asking Labrador to outline and clearly state his positions before election. Hopefully by insisting early on that Mr. Labrador take a strong stance on illegal immigration and letting him know what we expect, it will ensure he acts accordingly if elected.

I don't think Ms. Cook is trying to be divisive and neither am I, but voters have a right and a responsibility to ask the tough questions and receive the answers they need before voting. Furthermore, they have a right to do so without being attacked because of their questions. Are we now going to question whether someone should be in the GOP, if they ask questions? How scary is that? Maybe we should ask all those Libertarians running as Republicans (because they know that is the only way they can win) if they should be in the GOP.

I believe the Republicans had better get their act together and get united for the election in November or this country will never get out of this mess we find ourselves in. We must require explanation from the candidates, check them out for ourselves, and vote accordingly.

If conservatives are not united across the nation, Democrats will succeed in taking those seats once again. The Tea Party has been a strong and beneficial movement in our quest for taking back America, but in my opinion, the gravest error the Tea Party can make is to not understand the need for a unified party among conservatives. However, we not only need party unity, we also need to make sure candidates are who they claim to be.

I don't know Linda Cook, but I sure haven't seen Ms. Cook attack anyone the way advocates for Raul Labrador have attacked her. She has been polite, sincere and respectful in her quest for answers from Raul Labrador.

So what are your answers Mr. Labrador? I would love a reason to vote for you. If I am not convinced you are strongly against illegal immigrants entering and staying in this country, then I will have trouble doing so.

Republicans, let's continue to work to unify and purify our party. Voters, feel free to ask questions and expect answers.

Jan Conner is a resident of Athol.