This letter to the editor, by Tammy Tollefson, appeared in the Hudson Star Observer on September 26, 2024.

Character matters. We need our leaders to have a moral underpinning that shows up every day in their personal and political actions. The values of honesty, compassion, empathy, and kindness should guide their actions. 

The test is simple: If a candidate regularly shows you who they are through their words and actions, believe them. Consider the candidates running for the 3rd Congressional District. 

Rebecca Cooke grew up on a dairy farm and knows first hand the struggles of working people.  As a small business owner and non-profit leader, she has focused her career on building community and serving others.  Her efforts have supported and empowered women entrepreneurs by providing start-up capital, technical assistance, and networking opportunities in 10 counties, as well as launched 28 women-owned businesses.   

Contrast that with her opponent, Derrick Van Orden. He’s an embarrassment to Western Wisconsin. He frequently makes headlines for public outbursts and incidents–yelling at a teenage library employee and Capitol pages, attempting to bring a firearm onto an airplane, and heckling President Joe Biden during his State of the Union speech. He spends little time looking out for the interests of those he is supposed to represent in the 3rd Congressional District – where he moved so he could run for office.  

Rebecca’s priorities are all about putting people first, by expanding healthcare access, strengthening the working class and advocating for farmers. 

Consider character when you vote on Nov. 5 and elect Rebecca Cooke to represent you in Congress.