VOTE: But know your candidates

Over the last 50 years I have voted in almost every local, state and federal election because I feel it is my right and privilege to do so. Then, after the May primary, I read an interesting article in the Spokesman Review about the Republican candidates in Kootenai County and the 17th Amendment. It appears that most of the Republican candidates have sworn a loyalty oath to repeal the 17th Amendment, which is OUR right to vote for our two U.S. senators. They evidently prefer to have them selected by the Idaho Legislature. I wonder what is wrong with them being elected by the people of Idaho! Have you heard anything about their loyalty oath or the 17th Amendment as they have campaigned?

Yesterday I received a campaign flier in the mail and it had colorful pictures of Republican candidates in Idaho and three local ones. It did not say what their positions were on many issues and certainly did not mention that all three men — Vito Barbieri, Steve Vick and Eric Redman — signed the oath to repeal the 17th Amendment. Do you really want to vote for them knowing each of them wants to take away your right to vote?

Instead of just looking at an R or D on a ballot, the voters should educate themselves and know all the issues the candidate stands for and how they will affect you.

SANDY BUNCH

Rathdrum