To The Editor:

A couple weeks ago I wrote about the courage of Democrats in 1864 crossing party lines to vote for Lincoln to save the Union. I noted the hundreds of Republicans leaders in 2024 who are crossing party lines to vote for Harris/Walz to also save the Union. Donald Trump and climate change are two of the most existential threats to our country and to the world.

Federal and State governments are inextricably connected. What matters at the Federal level relates at the State level, ie military, FEMA, highways, taxes, economics, public assistance, healthcare, the environment, a woman’s right to choose, gun safety, etc. I expected State Senator, Tony Hwang and State Representative, Mitch Bolinsky to exercise a Profile in Courage and denounce Trump and openly support Harris. They haven’t. That speaks loudly to me.

I support Dr Michelle Ku, PhD for State Representative and Rob Blanchard for State Senator. Why? Both recognize the two existential threats to our State and country. Both support a woman’s right to choose pursuant to Roe v. Wade. Both oppose overturning Griswold v. Connecticut that under the same “right of privacy” which secured Roe v. Wade, protects your bedroom choice of birth control. And both exercised Profiles in Courage.

Dr Michelle Ku, PhD (science) has served as Chair of the Board of Education, served on the Legislative Council, and presently serves on the Board of Selectmen.

Rob Blanchard works for the Governor at the State level. He knows how government works. He is an amazing advocate for the environment, open space, farms, women’s rights and gun safety. He is courageous enough to have a platform that explicitly says it.

These are my just my opinions.

Vote November 5, 2024!

Jim Gaston

Newtown