Jackson is most qualified for Senate

Editor,

It appears that Doug Averill is as uninformed regarding Senate District #5 as his candidate Don Loranger. In a recent letter regarding Loranger's qualifications, Averill made an excellent case that Loranger should be running for Mayor of Bigfork. Although Loranger could very well be an excellent advocate for the Bigfork community, the fact is that Senate District #5 encompasses many other communities which need a Senator in Helena.

Averill's self-serving, narrow view ignores the people who live in Ferndale, Creston, Lower Valley, Somers, Lakeside, Blacktail, Willow Glen, Echo Lake, Foys Lake, Swan Valley, Many Lakes, south Kalispell and the east side of Flathead Lake clear to Polson. Averill never told us what Loranger might do for any of those folks. In fact, Averill never told us what Loranger might do at all. Other than "decorating with the Elves" in Bigfork, I could not find a single mention of any issue of interest to Senate District #5 about which Loranger has taken a position, for or against.

Although Loranger's military career is to be applauded, he has not lived in Montana for many years. He was a registered voter in Arizona as recently as last year.

Verdell Jackson on the other hand is a long time resident of Senate District #5. He has a solid grasp on the concerns of the people of the greater Flathead. His tireless work as a four-term member of the House of Representatives gives him unmatched insights into the specific issues which affect all of the communities and citizens of Senate District #5.

Verdell Jackson has a solid proven conservative voting record. He advocates for maintaining a small but efficient government. He has consistently voted for lowering taxes so that people can spend their own money. He is working for elimination of the marriage penalty tax to help families and promote family values. Jackson has a record of working with individual Flathead citizens to protect access to public lands, private property rights and water rights. He is endorsed by the National Rifle Association for his work in preserving the Second Amendment.

If you are only interested in a Senator for Bigfork, Loranger is your man. If you want a hard working Senator who represents all of the people of Senate District #5, I recommend that you vote for Verdell Jackson on June 6.

Georgia Branscome

Kalispell

(Editor's note: Mr. Loranger is a native Montanan, but said he's been living in Montana since 2003 after serving in the military. Due to his military service, he has lived in almost three dozen different places, he said. He confirmed he was a registered voter in Arizona, where he owned a home, in 2004. In last week's Leader, we printed a letter to the editor from Bigfork resident Doug Averill endorsing Don Loranger for Senate District 5. Mr. Averill is part of a steering committee for Mr. Loranger's campaign. This fact was omitted in Mr. Averill's letter, but should have been disclosed. While we are happy to print letters of endorsement, we feel it's important to note when those letters come from someone working directly on behalf of someone's campaign).