As is the case with many of my friends and neighbors, I am really sick of the divisiveness of the presidential campaign. I believe that Donald Trump has insulted women, Latinos, African-Americans and all people of good will. His campaign has been about turning Americans against each other. This makes him unfit to be the president of all Americans.

So it was with some disappointment and shock that I learned that our local representative, Peggy Bennett, has engaged in the same sort of divisive language, attacking some of our families, friends, and neighbors. To explain, Ms. Bennett was at the local Republican picnic two months ago and was quoted as saying (and I am paraphrasing) that gay marriage was like marrying a dog. Yes she actually said that. You can look it up on the online magazine Bluestem Prairie. Please look it up. As someone who has friends who are gay and who has taught students who are gay, I find this most offensive. This is just the kind of language that I grown so tired of — language that is demeaning and divisive.

I have heard Gary Schindler speak on several occasions, and he is good decent man. His life has been spent counseling college students and helping students to find the financial aid to complete their college program and enter a career.

I believe that Gary Shindler is a much better fit for our district and would represent all of its citizens regardless of their age, income, gender, race or sexual orientation. To me this is important that the person who represents me in St. Paul has the values of inclusion, kindness and empathy.

Mary Hinnenkamp

Albert Lea