Editor:

I have been a registered Republican since I could vote.

In looking at the Republican party today, I think it’s a shame that we are having such trouble within the party picking a presidential nominee. The brashness with which the candidates talk to each other is beneath all Republicans. Ronald Reagan would never have done that. He always said that you don’t speak ill of another Republican. That was his 11th Commandment.

I believe that the Republican party has a greater chance than the Democrat party because they are not throwing any new ideas out there. We have more diversity in our elected officials and candidates, with fresh energy and fresh ideas to think about the issues like immigration, foreign policy and health care.

I think it’s hypocritical for us, as a party, that we cannot support our leading contender. As an American, I have always believed that anyone can run for president and this proves it. Citizens uniting behind a new person or a movement should not be dismissed. Although I did not support Mr. Trump in the primary, I fully intend to support him in the general election if he does become the Republican candidate. The establishment should get over whatever they are feeling and support the eventual nominee, whomever that is.

We have good people running. In the Democratic party they have a Socialist and someone who is being investigated by the FBI. Frankly, I think that she is an empty pantsuit. Hillary Clinton allegedly had over 2,000 emails that were classified and the server she supposedly used was unsecured; it could have been hacked — she put people at risk. Considering her track record, she should not even be considered for president and she should be indicted.

Republicans, get it together and stay united.

Dana Johnson

Eaton