I don't normally endorse political candidates (I always recall the joke about the hardware store selling more hip boots and shovels during election years). This year I will make an exception.
I have known Vince Dean for over 30 years. I know him to be an honest person that you can actually talk to even when there isn't an election going on. When he was at the police department, he always did his job to the best of his ability. His record as a state representative speaks for itself: he bent over backwards to do what would be best for the people in his district. I have no doubt that he will continue this same tradition.
People have spoken against Weston Wamp for using his last name to get elected. I seem to recall another candidate that had a famous last name who ran for the same office. She turned out to be one of the finest members that Congress ever had. By the way, even though she was a Democrat, she represented the people of the Third District in such a way that most people, Democrats and Republicans were sorry to see her retire.
I briefly met Weston at the Fellowship of Christian Peace Officers golf tournament. I was impressed by the fact that he didn't look like a politician - no fancy clothes, no large entourage, didn't start glad-handing the entire crowd - just a simple, soft spoken "Hi, I'm Weston Wamp."
You can vote however your conscience tells you, but I urge you to cast your ballot for these two gentlemen.
Ed Bradley
East Brainerd