Ruth Larson: The odds are not in the favor of progressive candidates

To The Daily Sun,

The Nov. 5 election includes many so-called down-ballot races, such as my race for state representative from Alton and Barnstead, against Reps. Barbara Comtois, Paul Terry and Peter Varney, all Republican. The odds are not in my favor, to put it mildly.

Optimistically, however, I see many of my views gaining ground even in this very conservative area. On reproductive rights, for example, I fully support a woman’s right to make her own health care decisions without interference from the government. Our three representatives, however, have voted in favor of every abortion ban, including a six-week one.

On education funding, I support our local schools, and want our tax dollars to go there, rather than to private and religious schools via vouchers. Our incumbent representatives have consistently taken an opposite position.

Regarding the environment, I would work to protect our lands and lakes, including from landfills loaded with trash from other states. The incumbents voted to allow unrestricted expansion of these garbage dumps.

Regarding guns, I am a responsible gun owner, supporting hunting and self-protection but also reasonable safety measures such as the prohibition of military-style assault weapons. Our incumbent representatives have consistently voted against every regulation.

As someone who loves Gunstock, I would protect this county jewel against our incumbents who keep undermining its success time.

Are these views of mine too radical for Alton and Barnstead? Let the voters take a look at our current representatives and see their voting records, then decide who the actual radicals are.

Ruth Larson

Alton