For the past 32 years, I have cast my ballot for our congressional representative, Fred Upton. I proudly supported Mr. Upton when he took on “Moral Majority” Congressman Mark Siljander in his first primary and won.

I recall attending an MLK Day breakfast at Lake Michigan College and Mr. Upton passionately related his experience of walking across the Edmund Pettus Bridge with colleague John Lewis, to commemorate the “Bloody Sunday” march for voting rights. At that moment, I was proud of my congressman. My wife and I walked that same bridge this past February, and I thought of Mr. Upton as I walked.

Now his party is led by a former reality show host who seems to consistently offend and debase many Americans, while Mr. Upton and others of the Republican Party silently sit by and let him. Calling white supremacists “fine people,” bragging about molesting women, separating parents from children, and favoring a Russian dictator over our national intelligence corps are just some of President Trump’s actions that should demand outcries from all Americans. Yet, Mr. Upton does not stand up and repudiate such behavior. His and other Republicans’ silence allows Mr. Trump to continue his divisive agenda.

Dr. Matt Longjohn is a sensible, caring candidate who can restore respect, responsibility and leadership for our sixth congressional district. Dr. Longjohn is committed to public education, accessible and affordable health care, voting rights, and women’s rights. These are all issues we have fought for and must not only keep but improve. I urge all voters to remember what is best for all of our citizens and vote for Matt Longjohn on Nov. 6.

John H. Jarpe

Niles