The Republican Party left McKean

To the Editor,

   I am responding to Dennis Mulford’s Letter to the Editor in a recent issue of this paper (Sept. 25).

   Mr. Mulford took Andy McKean to task for switching his party affiliation in 2019 from Republican to Democrat. He stated that Republicans had elected McKean and implied they had a right to expect that he remain in the GOP fold for the duration of his term. He feels Republican voters were betrayed by McKean’s decision.

   I would remind Mr. Mulford that it wasn’t just Republicans who elected Andy McKean in 2018, but many Democrats as well, including myself. Andy’s appeal is quite wide. For me, it was an easy call – I’ve always known Andy to be a tireless public servant, completely dedicated to his constituents, and an effective legislator who represented us well in Des Moines. However, he has unshakable core values that he isn’t willing to compromise.

   And, my goodness, isn’t that a good thing? Isn’t that the kind of character we want in our elected representatives rather than simply mindless loyalty to party?

   Imagine a politician who is willing to risk political suicide in support of his principles! What a rare thing!

   Andy didn’t leave the Republican party. The Republican party left Andy. They abandoned the party of Reagan and McCain and signed on with a man who has changed the GOP into something almost unrecognizable. The ex-president is everything my wife and I tried to teach our son NOT to be. The ex-president is a true bully, and has converted a once-noble, honorable party into his own image, full of intolerance, anger, and grievance. He mocks the disabled, dishonors veterans, disrespects women, and demonizes those seeking a better life in America. Andy could have gone along with it, like so many have. Instead, he bravely stood up to the bully, knowing that he would pay a heavy price.

   And that’s exactly the kind of person we need in Des Moines representing us – principled and fearless.

   “Vote your conscience” on Nov. 5, Mr. Mulford advises. And that’s exactly what Andy McKean did in April 2019 at that podium in Des Moines.

Steve Wendl

Anamosa, Iowa