Over the past several weeks, members of the Lewis County Republican Party have been criticized for asking difficult questions about a Republican candidate’s past. Some have said we should have stayed quiet until after the primary because electing a Republican matters more than anything else. Others think we should never act against a candidate with an “R” on their application.
I disagree.
Being a Republican does not mean we stop asking questions. It means we hold ourselves to the same standards we expect from everyone else. Honesty, integrity and credibility are words we all want associated with every community member of Lewis County, starting with the Republican Party. It means we start by acknowledging past failure and embracing the lessons learned. Then, working with each other, we make better decisions. This should be part of the process as a candidate you let people know about. That’s the first part.
The issue has never been whether people can change. Republicans, as do most people, believe in forgiveness, redemption and second chances. But forgiveness does not replace honesty or humility. Voters deserve the truth before they cast their ballots, not after.
If a candidate is asking for the public’s trust, the public has the right to know about serious issues that could affect their ability to serve. Then, the voters, not party leaders or political insiders, can decide whether those issues matter.
Some argue that raising these questions could cost Republicans an election. If the only way to win is by keeping voters in the dark, then we have traded our principles for convenience or political advantage.
Lewis County expects a stand for integrity, accountability and the rule of law. Those principles do not change based on which letter appears next to a candidate’s name. An “R” is not a free pass. It should represent a commitment to the values we aspire to uphold.
Proverbs 28:13 says, “Whoever conceals their sins does not prosper, but the one who confesses and renounces them finds mercy.” Mercy comes after honesty, not instead of it.
This is not about one candidate. It is about whether we are willing to put truth ahead of politics.
If a candidate is elected by hiding the truth through action or omission, does our county improve? Elections come and go. Integrity lasts much longer.
Lewis County voters deserve honest candidates, complete information and the freedom to decide for themselves. That is how trust is earned. That is how good government begins.
This election season it is important that each of us vote with confidence for the candidate of choice.
The Lewis County Republican Party has a slate of candidates that represent the best for your consideration you can find on our website at lcrpwa.org. Regardless of party affiliation, your vote does matter. Please take the time to fill out your ballot according to the values you want to see promoted in our communities.
My choice is to vote with confidence in the Republican ticket. Your choice is up to you and is a vital part of determining the direction of our county's decision making process. Vote for your future. Vote today. Vote.
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Greg Rohr is the elected executive chair of the Lewis County Republican Party. He can be reached at info@lcrpwa.org. To learn more about the party, visit https://www.lcrpwa.org.
