I am a lifelong Republican, but I am voting for Maggie Goodlander for Congress. Like many Republicans and independents around the state, I am disappointed with my party’s candidate for Congress in the second district. Lily Tang Williams’ victory over sensible conservatives showed that my party has left me. After much thought, I officially became undeclared. It was not an easy decision. Lily is a member of the Free State Project: a fringe political movement out of step with New Hampshire values. She has a record of ambition without commitment. Before moving to NH, Williams ran for the U. S. Senate in Colorado. Now, she is making her second congressional run in NH.

In contrast, Maggie Goodlander is dedicated to service. Born and raised in Nashua, Maggie served as an intelligence officer in the Navy for over a decade and as an aide to the late Sen. John McCain, working across the aisle for the good of the nation. I recently attended an event of hers and she spoke about uniting around common goals, regardless of party. Her focus on collaboration is exactly what NH needs. I do not agree with Maggie on every policy issue, but in today’s politics, we must put divisions aside to vote for depth of character and commitment to service. As Granite Staters and as Americans, the choice before us this fall could not be clearer. That’s why I am joining the chorus of voices supporting Maggie on Nov. 5.

J. C. Allard

Pittsfield