Editor:

Well, my effort to be selected as a delegate to the Republican National Convention ended in failure. But that failure was inconsequential compared to the rewards of engaging in the process.

At our county assembly meeting I pledged to our group that if they would honor me with a slot to the state assembly, I would spend as much as I could to run as a national delegate in hopes of representing my fellow Republicans. About $500 turned out to be as much as my budget would allow.

I had no illusions as to difficulty of the task. I figured my chances were slightly greater than “0”, which turned out to be the case. Challenges have never held me back before, and I saw no reason to let it be a barrier now.

In an effort to achieve some degree of differentiation among the 600 + candidates, I came up with the idea of using a stickman drawing to tell my story illustratively. Through mailings and email the stickman received responses. Some were supportive, some indifferent and, of course, some negative. The response I received was truly the most rewarding part of the process. They were well worth the money spent.

My campaign for national delegate started out going door-to-door in my precinct to get my word out. At the 6th Congressional District assembly, I practiced extending my hand and meeting people one on one. For the state assembly it was primarily using email as a vehicle of communication.

These efforts have allowed me to meet some of the nicest people. Most of all, what seemed to interest those who responded to me the most was my listening to their story, their views and the things of importance to them — what it was that had ignited their own political passions.

As I listened, it became evident that there was a feeling of betrayal between the people and their elected representation. But few want to place blame on their own elected representatives — it was intended more for those who they didn’t cast a vote for, those outside the districts they lived in —the dreaded “Establishment”.

It is clear there is a real tension in the electoral base of the Republican Party. While Sen. Ted Cruz swept the delegate selection for president, the issues and passions that motivate Trump supporters are real and substantial. As a Cruz supporter, I would not demean or insult those who support Trump. And that’s where the real tension is generated. The dogmatic “Never Trump” or “Stop Trump” crowd — and their rhetoric — is illogical. Some have said they are tired of holding their nose and voting for the least bad candidate. News Flash: its politics, a nasty and smelly affair. If you don’t want to hold your nose then you should run for office. At least one person will be satisfied.

Lots of folks can tell you what the problem is and when you write about such things it is appropriate to offer a solution. The solution this election cycle: if it’s Cruz, vote for Cruz; if it’s Trump, vote for Trump. If a person can’t get their mind around supporting either of these candidates as the Republican nominee, then “shelter in place.” The Democrats will be coming for all that you have and will have.

“Stickman”

Roger EdwardsHighlands Ranch