Well, now you’ve done it. Western Slope residents have lost a congressional representative who worked tirelessly for them.
Scott Tipton and I were elected in 2010, so let me explain why the recent primary election could prove to be a dramatic loss for the district and our country.
From the start, Scott’s business background of 30 years and his strong foundation of conservative principles – honor, integrity and strength – worked well and made him electable. Scott worked relentlessly throughout the district, often not getting home for weeks at a time. According to a nonpartisan research group, he was ranked the eighth most effective congressman.
His modest, gentlemanly approach reminded me of Reagan and Bush, both widely seen as nonconfrontational but were highly effective. Compare that to Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, who, despite the headlines she gets for being loud and obnoxious, none of her initiatives are being adopted into law. None. Isn’t that why you send someone to Congress? To get something done – not just to be divisive, but getting something done.
Scott’s focus always was on getting things accomplished for his constituents. His peers recognized that. His seniority put him in a position to do that. Scott didn’t work alone. His wife, Jean, was a force in helping him keep his focus on improving the quality of life for the people of the Western Slope.
So that’s what you lost – a modest, effective and electable leader who stood on his principles and got things done.
Now you’ve done it. I wish you well this fall.
Rep. David B. McKinleyWheeling, West Virginia
