EXCUSE ME: Independents insulted

In her Jan. 28 letter to the editor, Beverly Cain states: “Independents are nothing more than Democrats or Socialists/Communists…” Excuse me! You just insulted over 25% of the registered voters in Idaho who register as “Unaffiliated” and many centrist Republicans and Democrats who vote for a person rather than a party. Many of us are veterans.

Further, Beverly assumes that because Achilles stands for certain issues he will automatically caucus with Democrats. She is wrong. It is exciting that Todd has actively communicated with veterans running as Independents for the U. S. Senate in other states (South Dakota, Montana, Nebraska, Mississippi). If enough of them are elected, they would form an Independent caucus. And, if neither Democrats nor Republicans held a majority, this Independent caucus would force the Senate to share power. In short, something exciting would happen. The Senate would be forced to work across the aisle and with the Independents to actually get something done that benefits their constituents.

Achilles and the other Independent candidates support term limits, reducing the deficit, fair taxation, getting money out of politics, limiting insider stock trading, and supporting education. Given the issue, Democrats and/or Republicans oppose some or most of these reforms. These are reforms many voters support and Independent candidates offer a way for them to be heard.

We are veterans who know Todd Achilles through Veterans for Idaho Voters. We appreciate that when he was in the Idaho House, he was the most bipartisan Representative. We also appreciate that he has already held over 75 town halls around the state and has visited North Idaho twice. Todd listens! He would be a strong leader representing us.

CHRISTIE WOOD
Air Force Veteran
Coeur d’Alene 

and GRAY HENDERSON
Army Veteran
Bonners Ferry