Editor, Times-Union:

We hear a lot of talk about this time every election year, mostly from people who are not Republicans, about how political parties do not matter in local races. I do not believe that. Local races, more than anything else, are about judgment, and the political party you choose to associate with tells me a lot about what kind of judgment you have.

Of the two main political parties, only one believes in the Constitution, and that the job of law enforcement is to enforce the laws that We the People enact, not unilaterally choose which laws get enforced. That party is the Republican Party.

Of the two main political parties, only one believes in law and order, that wrongdoers need to be punished rather than coddled, and that rioting, and looting are always unacceptable. That party is the Republican Party.

Of the two main political parties, only one believes in limited government, in secure borders, in parental rights with school curriculum, in the sanctity of life, and so many other important principles, and that is the Republican Party. If you choose to run on another ticket, then yes, I question your judgment.

I agree that we should always vote for the best person for the job. I will be doing that this year by voting for the Republican ticket and electing Jim Smith for sheriff and Brad Voelz for prosecutor.

Mrs. Mary Louise Miller

Winona Lake, via email