ACHTUNG: This is not a “fair and balanced” story. It is an editorial by the editor.
Unless you’ve been on vacation in Mars for the last couple of months, you know Tuesday is the day for the primary election in Michigan.
We can breathe a sigh of relief after that day, when we’ll be given a break from all the TV advertisements and robocalls for candidates. Know this: If we want to cut down on all the advertising and spectacle that dominates our elections, we have to repeal the U.S. Supreme Court’s 5-4 Citizens United decision in 2010, which opened the floodgates for money in politics and further rigged the game against us common folk. The only way we can stop it is to rise up in righteous indignation in at least 34 states to get the issue on the ballot by circulating petitions.
I need to issue a clarification in an attempt to counter a common misunderstanding about the role of old-school newspapers (even on-line ones) in making endorsements of candidates or issues in any election. It is a long standing tradition to make recommendations for all races, regardless of party.
There have been some who maintained I shouldn’t endorse someone I probably won’t vote for. That’s a personal matter. I try to separate the personal self from the editor self when writing these kinds of editorials. I was called out for endorsing Don Wickstra for state senate, yet I’m happy to report candidly that I voted for him in the GOP primary race for state senate, 26th District.
And please remember — this is critically important — you cannot split your ticket in a primary. You can vote for one party only.
The following is a brief summary of Townbroadcast’s picks for the Aug. 7 primary election where contests exist:
• Governor — Republican, Brian Calley. Democratic, Gretchen Whitmer.
• U.S. Senator — Republican, John James.
• State Senator, 26th District — Republican, Don Wickstra.
• State Representative, 72nd District — Republican, Jennifer Antel. 80th District — Democratic, Mark Ludwig.
• Allegan County Commissioner, 7th District — Republican, Rick Cain.
• Allegan County Prosecutor — Republican, Myrene Koch.
• Leighton Township Air Strip proposal — No.
• All local township millages for roads and public safety — Yes.
But always remember, these are just recommendations done in the tradition of old school newspapers. Please vote your conscience Tuesday.
