I am writing this just prior to the Senate recount, and I am speaking as an individual and without a title. I am a lifelong resident of this state, and I have never seen the DFL Party ever lose a recount. I am saying I will be surprised if Al Franken and his friends do not win. And they will have the all the reasons for why it happened.

But my comments go much further than the recount. As you know, I am a Republican and this is because I firmly believe in our principles and our feeling of less government is the best way to do this, not with extra programs and taxes. But I also firmly believe that we should always vote for the best candidate regardless of party affiliation. For example, this year we had a woman seeking her party’s endorsement for U.S. Senate. She was from Minnesota and of unquestionable integrity as well as good background. Instead, the DFL chose Al Franken, who does not really represent Minnesota and in my opinion is of questionable integrity and not the type of background I would want as my senator. Why?

I asked several of my good DFL friends why they voted for him, and their answer, “Because he is a Democrat!”

This makes me very sad. I know I do not want anyone like him to represent me. In other words, I hope in the future you will vote for the best one. I believe your conscience will say thank you. That is how I feel!

Tiny Brandt

Albert Lea