It seems fitting, but it’s still disgusting: The negativity generated by the DFL and Republican candidates for U.S. Senate is still contaminating the air.

First it was Democrats I know complaining about how I spoiled “their” election. Now I hear that Independence Party Senate candidate Dean Barkley is getting angry phone calls at his office from unhappy Democrats. They’re accusing him of stealing all those votes that they think belong to Democrats. Other IP officials are getting nasty phone calls and e-mails, too.

Although they’re not calling, does this mean some Republicans are privately thanking Barkley for running? If they are, it’s just as disgusting as what the Democrats are doing.

It’s disappointing to have to point this out year after year, but since some partisans don’t seem to get the message, here it comes again: The Republican and Democratic Parties don’t own my vote. As a citizen of this country, I have the right to vote for the candidate and party of my choice. Don’t blame me or that other party for doing that. Try working harder to persuade me that your candidate really is more interested in leading and governing than in scoring points with their friends.

The Independence Party is here to stay. I realize some of you don’t want people to have that choice, but (like I say to my kids) “deal with it.”

David Behling

Albert Lea