Supports Tutvedt against censureship

As a Montanan currently living in the east, I follow Montana politics. It is refreshing to read about Sen. Bruce Tutvedt, R-Kalispell, who illustrates the integrity needed by officials in public office.  

He supports issues of benefit to the state and his constituents, and does not feel compelled, like some, to vote against all initiatives by Democrats, regardless of their merit. (I would certainly label that an extremist Tea Party approach.) This is how a conscientious representative should vote, in a spirit of cooperation, for the common good.  

Blind hatred for any political party is not justified or constructive, and has already caused great harm to our country. Determined narrow-mindedness has, in many instances, become predictable and deplorable. Sen. Tutvedt provides a good model of a thoughtful approach, which is far more commendable than the stand of many Montana Republicans who would restrict their actions to a narrow party platform.

Rather than “undermining the credibility of local Republicans,” on the contrary Sen. Tutvedt’s courageous stand enhances the Montana GOP’s national image, which too often has the appearance of hard-line reactionary conservatism.

Margaret Nydell

Fredericksburg, Va.