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Opinion

Letters to the Editor — Republicans and Colin Allred, voter turnout, conserving water

Readers share their opinions of Colin Allred; wish Texas would encourage more voter participation; and suggest ways to conserve water.

Former GOP reps back Allred

In 1966, Republican Sen. John Tower said, “Sometimes party loyalty demands too much.” As lifelong Republicans, it’s difficult to admit it, but this is one of those times. We are voting for Colin Allred for U.S. Senate. Many other Texas Republicans are quietly doing the same.

America and Texas face unfathomable challenges, like border security, massive federal debt and threats to our Constitution. As senator, Allred will set out to solve those problems with integrity and respect, while listening to viewpoints of others. His opponent, Ted Cruz, has always been part of the problem.

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On Jan. 6, 2021, Allred prepared to literally fight for our Constitution. By stark contrast, Cruz was the Senate architect of the plot to overturn the will of the people. Cruz actually made the motions to decertify the election results and, in effect, cancel the presidential election.

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Allred works with both parties in Congress to find bipartisan solutions to America’s crushing debt. Cruz screams about closing the government, issues three podcasts a week talking to himself and generally refuses to acknowledge any opinion other than his own. Hardly a way to balance a budget in a household, in business or in Congress.

Or take border security. Allred worked with Oklahoma Senate Republican Jim Lankford to fix the problem. Cruz refuses to even consider changing the immigration system that got us into this mess.

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Allred will be part of the solution just as Cruz has been a big part of the problem for 12 years.

Republicans are quietly agreeing with John Tower. They haven’t said much, but many will vote for Allred.

Former U.S. Rep. Steve Bartlett, 1983-1991

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Former Texas Rep. Todd Smith, 1997-2013

Allred recommendation praised

Re: “We recommend — Allred for U.S. Senate,” Sunday editorial.

I was delighted to see The Dallas Morning News recommending Colin Allred for U.S. Senate. Your reasoned analysis, taking into account both words and actions of each candidate, was a welcome change from the surface banter that has taken over so much of current political discussion.

I’m sure your inbox is filling up rapidly with opposing viewpoints offering the usual name-calling and sound bites while suggesting this paper is simply far too liberal. Thanks for focusing on facts.

Paul G. Hill, Garland

Compare Allred to Pelosi

While Ted Cruz is far from my idea of the perfect senator, I would like you now to compare Colin Allred’s voting record to that of Nancy Pelosi and see what you find.

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Tim Muench, Frisco

Support the filibuster

Your recommendation of Colin Allred says he “has demonstrated over time that both the words and action of bipartisanship matter to him.” Those past words and actions should be totally disregarded based on his support for abolishing the Senate filibuster. The filibuster, which requires 60 votes to pass most legislation, is the only thing forcing significant bipartisanship and compromise in Congress.

By throwing out the rule, Democrats would be saying certain issues are too important to consider compromising with moderates or conservatives. Without it, our country could fundamentally change, based on progressive priorities advocated by many Democrats.

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With no filibuster, our country could whipsaw back and forth whenever Congress and the presidency changed parties. No moderate should vote for Allred as the choice for bipartisanship unless Allred guarantees he will support the filibuster.

Jim Mixtacki, Carrollton

Vote for comportment

There have been myriad letters to The Dallas Morning News over the past months outlining the current presidential candidates’ positions, policies and behavior. However, none have used the word “comportment” to describe our candidates.

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U.S. residents should expect that our president displays the proper comportment to occupy the office. Our president needs to be respected and appreciated as a world leader. I believe that it is obvious there is a difference in how these candidates comport themselves. Count me as a Republican on a HUNT (Harris Until No Trump).

Grant Murphy, Far North Dallas

Texas impedes voter participation

Re: “State laws may be hurting turnout — Policies strict on registration groups, mail-in ballots hamper voter participation, experts say,” Sunday news story.

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Thank you for this story. We must be honest — Texas does not want high voter turnout. A state that wants high voter turnout offers online voter registration, as 43 other states do. States that are good stewards of their taxpayers’ dollars know that online voter registration is less cumbersome than moving paper forms back and forth on foot and through the mail.

They know that online voter registration is less costly to counties and to the state. States know online registrations are less error-prone; printing does not have to be transcribed.

I’m currently visiting family in Washington state, where registered voters have received packets with nonpartisan voter information about everyone on their ballot and been given plenty of time to do their own research, complete their ballots and return them. Ballot boxes are close by, or the ballots can be mailed.

Not yet registered? The deadline in Washington state is Oct. 28, 21 days after Texas’ Oct. 7 registration deadline.

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We need to speak honestly. Convenient, accessible voting is not a goal for our current Texas lawmakers.

Cathy Murphree, Richardson

Enforce water restrictions

Re: “Wading into a water fight — Plan would help thirsty North Texas — and may drown a community,” Sunday news story.

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The Marvin Nichols Reservoir might not need to be built if Dallas and surrounding cities would enforce lawn watering restrictions and create policies that conserve water. Levying fines on homeowners who water too much or water outside authorized days and times would make a huge impact on water usage.

I often see sprinklers on during unauthorized times. Code Enforcement is not catching the vast majority of these violators because of the hours they work. Also, there are not enough inspectors.

David Dick, Dallas

We welcome your thoughts in a letter to the editor. See the guidelines and submit your letter here. If you have problems with the form, you can submit via email at letters@dallasnews.com