It is time for the midterm elections and I would like to urge all of Eastern Oregon to exercise its right to register to vote. … and then actually cast a ballot. The midterms are important and dictate who our choices are on the general election ballot in November.

This month we vote to select our candidates for governor and as a self-described “centrist Republican” I have carefully deliberated and decided to endorse and vote for Tim McCloud (R) — his positions on almost every issue align with mine, and most rural Oregonians.

He is the one candidate who can bridge the divide between rural and urban Oregon, represent both communities equally and finally, I believe he is the only Republican on the ticket who can actually win in Oregon and I hope other Republicans will vote for him on their primary ballots as well.

Steve West

La Grande