Robo-call excuse weak

In answer to Cindy Zapotocky’s recent letter defending the use of the Republican Party’s use of robo-calls as a thrifty way to get out the vote. A bit of research at the Washington Public Disclosure website revealed there was little difference in the amount of money raised by local candidates representing the two major parties.

In the county assessor’s race, the two Republican candidates, Ralph Baker and Vicki Horton, raised a combined total of $10,804 – Baker raised $5,087 and Horton $5,717. Democratic candidates Sadie Cooney and Andrew Jackson raised a total of $11,204, all of it Jackson’s. The difference in the totals raised, a paltry $400.

In the prosecutorial races the three Republican candidates, Chris Bugbee ($19,831), Dave Stevens ($8,237) and Steve Tucker ($11,934) raised a combined total of $40,002. The lone Democratic candidate, Frank Malone raised $7,314.

In the county commissioner race, Republican candidates Al French ($60,342), Jeff Holy ($14,330) and Steve Salvatori ($68,333) totaled $143,005 to Democrat Bonnie Mager’s $75,160.

I believe the figures speak for themselves. Justifying Republican robo-calls as a thrifty way to get out the vote does not wash. Incidentally, personally, I am equally offended by Democratic robo-calls.

Terry A. Hontz

Spokane