Editor,

A few years ago, when Donald Trump was elected, I wasn’t happy. Not going to lie, I’m still not happy. But one thing that kept me going was our local politics. At least up here in the North Puget Sound/Whidbey Island our politics seemed to work for the people who live here.

Not anymore, I fear.

A recent local Republican fundraiser bears that out. Skagit County commissioners Ron Wesen and Peter Browning, state Rep. Carolyn Eslick and State Sen. Ron Muzzall were among those who attended and participated in the 400-person event. Masks not required, refusing to follow guidelines for safety against COVID-19 — and, please, for the love of God, remember that it is not just for the safety of those in attendance, but for all of us in the community who are vulnerable to the spread.

Are there no limits to the selfishness?

The Republican Party has become the party that worships one thing — money — above life, the dignity and respect due our veterans, our school children and their families.

Let me just give you one concrete example in the race between Ron Muzzall and Helen Price Johnson for the 10th District Senate seat.

Here’s the breakdown of Muzzall’s donors: Individuals, $70,964.80; Republican Party, $59,847; Political Action Committee, $55,000; Republican Caucus, $18,230; and business, $45,000.

Now compare to Helen Price Johnson’s fund raising: Individuals, $256,112.15; Political Action Committee, $29,500; Democratic Party, $22,608; union, $11,342; Democratic Caucus, $5,265; and business, $3,159.

Recently, Helen Price Johnson was able to ask Mr. Muzzall about why he took so much money from PACs, business and the Republican Party.

Muzzall’s response? “Well, I needed the money.”

Yep, he needed the money because he didn’t earn his votes. He needs to buy them.

I’m voting for the woman in this race who has worked and earned every vote — Helen Price Johnson.

Delia Pierce

Oak Harbor