Thank you, Rhonda Sivarajah (R)
She is running in the Republican primaries to succeed Bachmann. She is running against party endorsement. And while she addresses "fellow Republicans," this can be aimed at Democrats.
Our fellow Republicans in the [Sixth] District deserve a voice, not a ratification of a well-meaning system that often excludes them. To be sure, this exclusion is unintentional. I dont know a single person here today who would not welcome more Republicans and their involvement. The reality, though, is that many concerned citizens simply do not have the time this aspect of the process demands
A primary offers more people the opportunity to be involved in selecting those who govern them. Im going to a primary for the young woman who volunteered to be the secretary at her convention but was rebuffed because she didnt support a certain candidate. Im going to a primary for the senior citizen who couldnt drive on icy roads that particular day. Im going to a primary for the single mother working two jobs so she doesnt have to be dependent on welfare. Im going to the primary for the business owner who is struggling to survive and cant afford to take time away. Im going to a primary to allow regular Republicans, independents and conservative Democrats to have their voices heard. Im going to a primary so our brave young men and women serving in our armed forces can participate in the political process
I want a big tent, ladies and gentlemen, not a small one.
In the end, if you dont trust the voters, you shouldnt be on any ballot.
From Lori Sturdevant column on Sunday:
http://www.startribune.com/opinion/commentaries/268669962.html