Richardson: No longer voting the Republican party line
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By Bill Richardson | East Valley
As a lifelong Republican and son of a Democratic politician, I grew up watching exemplary leaders like Ronald Reagan, Jon Kyle and Jeff Flake lead the Republican Party with maturity and common sense. Even when they disagreed with others, they did so with civility.
These were well-admired and respected figures in my household. With them at the helm, I was proud to be a Republican and vote for members of the party.
That is no longer the case. The party of Reagan is not the Republican Party of today and respected leaders are few and far between. There are Republicans still willing to do the right thing, like Sen. Rusty Bowers and Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer, even if that means going against the most extreme wing of their party. However, many running for office today have no interest in unity or kindness. Politicians like Kari Lake seem concerned with spreading false information and undermining our democracy. Others, like Julie Willoughby, are preoccupied with demonizing immigrants.
As a Mormon and a Republican, I can only support candidates that represent my values. That’s why I no longer vote the party line. I’m not alone — Donald Trump’s offensive and cruel remarks have created a shift in traditional conservative communities.
As a father to six and a grandfather, I want my family to look up to Republican leaders like I did. But when we have Republicans leading efforts to undermine America’s most sacred right — our democracy — it’s difficult. Causing greater distrust in our elections and further dividing us with incendiary language is not the path to unity.
I want to know who I’m voting for, from the top of the ticket to the bottom. I encourage others to learn more about your local candidates and vote your values. Arizona’s future depends on it.
Editor’s note: Bill Richardson is a fifth-generation Arizonan and a lifelong Republican. Reader reactions, pro or con, are welcomed at AzOpinions@iniusa.org.
