TO THE EDITOR: THE NORTHFIELD NEWS THERE WILL be a big temptation for Republicans to either stay home or vote in the Democratic primary on August 24, since all the attention is on the race to determine which Democrat will be running against Brian Dubie for governor in November.

However two other statewide leadership positions have important Republican primary races, and Republicans need to be focused on choosing quality candidates who present the best opportunity to win those open seats this fall.

Republicans and Democrats alike have enormous respect for the work that Phil Scott has done as a Senator from our county for the past ten years. He is running for Lieutenant Governor, but must win the primary first.

He’s hardworking, level-headed, and been chosen as chair of major committees by the Democratically controlled (23-7) Senate. Above all he is open-minded in listening to different perspectives and collaborating with others to make the process work.

However, there are many parts of the state where people don’t know Phil or his opponent in the primary, and may throw away their vote.

That is why it is critical that he gain as many votes as possible from the county that knows him best. It isn’t enough that he wins here; he needs every potential vote from Washington County to turn out and help him win the overall statewide tally. He is the one with the strength to win the Lieutenant Governor’s seat on the ballot in November.

Primaries are not intended to be mini-elections. They are for political parties to choose their best candidate to win in the coming election.

If you are a Republican, that means it is important to get to the polls on (or before) August 24. You can be voting any time now, through an absentee ballot at your town hall.

Phil Scott has earned your support, and he needs your vote.

REP. ANNE DONAHUE

Northfield