To the editor:
As your readers may know, I am running for representative to the Legislature in Brunswick’s District 66.
In a recent letter to the editor, District 63’s Democratic Rep. Charlie Priest wrote, “Fred Horch’s palm card takes part of my speech supporting Maddie (sic) Daughtry and makes it look like I am supporting Fred.”
Charlie makes a good point. I should have quoted him fully. Fortunately, I used the quote on a preliminary brochure, not on my palm card. The full quote in question is in a front-page article on July 16 (“House District 66 ballot finalized”):
Horch “is very attractive to a lot of people,” Priest said. “What (Horch) doesn’t realize is … an independent is all by themselves (in Augusta) and has a very difficult time getting things done.”
I included the first sentence of his quote next to a chart showing that I nearly beat the incumbent Democrat in 2010. I did not intend to imply that Charlie supports me; my point was that even Democrats admit that I have a very good chance of winning this election. For those interested, I have posted my brochure online so you can read it yourself and decide whether it’s fair.
While I have evidence for the first sentence of Charlie’s full quote, the second is harder to accept.
The Democratic campaign strategy of dismissing the value of independents serving in Augusta reflects the dysfunction of our two-party political system. I realize now that using Charlie’s own words as I did is merely feeding the fire of partisan politics and mistrust. This deep problem has attracted independents like Angus King to run for office. I share (former) Gov. King’s belief that elected officials of all political stripes must find effective ways to work together.
In reality, rather than leaving them “all by themselves,” Charlie has worked to get things done with Rep. Ben Chipman and Sen. Dick Woodbury, his independent colleagues in the Legislature. If I earn the right to serve in Augusta, I look forward to working with everyone in the Legislature, regardless of party affiliation.
Fred Horch
Green Independent
candidate for representative
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