Since the Supreme Court’s decision on Citizens United, many of us have been concerned about the influence of big, outside money on our elections.

In yesterday’s mail, we received a stunning example: a glossy, brightly-colored card entitled: Bowling Gutterballs. It is a two-sided, nasty invective denouncing Irene Bowling, as wanting only to raise taxes throughout the 35th Legislative District.

Irene has been running a strong campaign against Tim Sheldon, the incumbent Democrat who jumped ship and joined the Republican caucus, overturning the balance of the state legislature.

Mr. Sheldon also holds a second elected position as a Mason County Commissioner, thus drawing two salaries, but showing few results in economic benefits to Mason County.

The mailer I received was paid for by “Good Government Leadership Council,” Centralia, with the top five contributors listed as: The Leadership Council.

What does that tell you? Absolutely nothing! But every statement on it is intended to mislead, to distort, and to scare voters; taken out of context from other sources, not even Irene Bowling quotes.

It is written and sent by an outside group not to educate, but to simply tear down and attempt to destroy the opposition. It takes a great deal of money for such a mailing, money that the opponent may not be able to match at the last minute.

This is an example of the ugliness of politics, of why so many people are disgusted and choose to not participate, to not even vote. Yet our individual votes are really the only antidote to dirty campaigns!

Jo A. Reasons

Port Orchard