I received an email Monday with a photo of Congressman Mike Johnson and Webster Parish District Attorney Schuyler Marvin. In the email, it was noted that Marvin is endorsing Johnson for re-election.
That email reminded me of endorsement requests I have received over the years.
It has been the policy of our newspapers, with very few exceptions, to not endorse candidates for office. The reason behind that policy has to do more with personal choice then with political motives.
Each person needs to choose their leaders and representatives based upon multiple factors. Not everyone has the same set of priorities, therefore not everyone will agree on a single candidate. This I why our multiple party system in the United States of America works so well. Despite our differences, we are still able to transfer power peacefully when one group of individuals is elected into power over another.
In my opinion, It is not our role to tell anyone who lines up with their values and priorities. We do ,however, offer opinion and endorsements over single issues that may appear on a ballot.
Single issues can be broken down, researched, and a conclusion drawn.
Many in our industry do not hold this opinion. They often endorse candidates, and they have every right to do so.
One thing we can all agree on, however, is that everyone who is eligible to vote today should go out and cast a ballot.
After everything is tabulated, we will witness a peaceful transfer of power locally, statewide, and nationally. The people truly have the power, if we will just exercise it.
David A. Specht Jr. is Editor and publisher of the Minden Press-Herald.
