Republican endorses Ric Smith

Editor,

I am a life-long Republican and am supporting Ric Smith, the Democratic candidate for the State Senate, District 5. Ric is the first Democrat I have ever supported, and I have three reasons for supporting Ric:

1. Ric is a small business owner. As a fellow small business owner, a healthy economy is important to me. I trust Ric to lead Montana's economy forward.

2. Ric has fought to protect our right access to public lands for 25 years. As an outdoorsman and father of three boys who love the outdoors, I know he will keep public lands in public hands.

3. Ric is an independent thinker and life-long public servant. He has never cared about political party labels and will continue finding the right solutions to our community's problems.

As a Republican, I have never supported a Democrat. Ric Smith is a rare exception. He understands the economy, he is a public servant, and he will always work for the best solutions. Please join me in voting for Ric Smith.

Katrina Chernikoff

East Shore

Polson