Political parties have changed

US House race lacks Democrat in the 4th district (CBH, Sept. 8, pg. A7). It is critical for people to recognize that the House represents "the People," not political parties. We, the People, should select candidates who listen to our needs and represent us, and do not become cogs of political machines.

When our country was founded the People debated the issues and elected representatives according to their needs. That is the definition of a Republic. We are NOT a democracy, but we have democratically elected representatives. Over time, political parties developed and evolved. At first, they were groups of people who had essentially the same thinking on major issues and worked together.

We now have political parties that want to control their individual members. Party platforms have become little more than propaganda to sell the party "brand," but are then ignored by the elite leadership in each party.

This election has two Republican candidates. One, Clint Didier, has pledged to honor the party platform created by the hard work of the people. He has an excellent appreciation for the original US Constitution, as well as the needs of the farmers. He has been described as a potential "bull in a china shop" for which he would be either the best possible choice, or the worst choice. I doubt that he will compromise when it comes to representing the people, rather than being controlled by "party leadership."

The second is Dan Newhouse. He has been described as a "mainstream Republican." I do not remember ever meeting this gentleman at any Grant County meeting during the last four years.

Thomas Fancher

Moses Lake