The author recounts their journey from being an unaffiliated voter to serving as a Republican state representative, arguing that self-reflection led them to realize their values aligned with the Republican Party and encouraging others to examine their own political beliefs.

Yes, I was what was called an “Independent Voter” when I received a call from a recruiter for the Republican caucus about running for the position of “State Representative”! I didn’t even know I had a state representative, nor did I know what that role was. I had never been involved politically.

What had I been doing? Well. Along with my husband, we were raising our 5 children, Joe was working at Central Catholic, I led a management consulting firm, was on more than one Board of Directors, involved in each of our kids’ schools and our church. Why in the world would this guy want to talk with me????

I agreed to meet. That led to me going to Columbus to see this thing called “the legislature”. Meet with some state reps and attend a committee meeting. I began to realize that I could actually impact statewide policy. That was really intriguing. Next, came a series of meetings in which I was asked to get clear on several issues – not told how to think but what my position actually was on various items. That was an interesting process, for sure. As in the busyness of my life, I hadn’t taken the time for such probing!

That’s when it became clear to me, I really leaned Republican even tho’ I never voted Republican in a primary. I actually shunned primaries as I would have to declare a party!

Fast forward to winning 4 campaigns (as a Republican in Toledo) and serving in the legislature. That’s another story (as the saying goes)!

“Independent” voters of the past are now called “Unaffiliated” voters. They vote but if in a primary, they vote “Issues Only” and do not declare a party. I now understand the importance of aligning and declaring the party one most identifies with (another story for another time!).

My story leaves me wondering how many others, if given the opportunity to “soul search” would discover they really are Republican at the core of their beliefs – • smaller government, • lower taxes, • less restrictions on business, • choice in education for one’s children, • and more.

Today, there is even more of a difference between the Republican and Democrat party platforms or beliefs than ever before. It’s a healthy difference, making it even easier to make a choice.

That’s why I support qualified Republican candidates in Lucas County and statewide. That’s why I give my time to coach certain candidates and live for the day they can get elected as a Republican in Toledo and in Lucas County! We truly need the balance of honest debate in office because there is a difference in the beliefs, votes and actions of the those who hold the labels of these two parties!

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