Republicans have damaged the country

“You know, Phil Poutre’s constant ranting about the deficiencies of the Obama administration has really set me to thinking and I am going to switch my vote this fall and vote Republican,” said nobody ever.

The first two years of the Obama administration produced great results in this voter’s opinion. The automobile industry was saved (and the vehicle used to save it was very unpopular with Republicans) and we got something done on health care, not perfect but a good start.

Then the Republicans took control of the House in 2010 and everything ground to a halt.

Most recently they blocked the president’s jobs bill and now complain there are no jobs. Last week they voted down a jobs bill for veterans that was fully paid for and would not have added a dime to the deficit and was co-written by the same Republicans who defeated it.

The Republican-led House has received the worst rating in history. George W. Bush left the country in the worst shape in a generation. And now Republicans are saying, “Well, we know we left a mess, but Obama has not cleaned it up fast enough and needs to go.” I don’t think so.

I also do not expect a Republican president to do any better than W. did or than the Republican Congress has. If this election is a referendum on the last four years, Democrats win.

If it is about choosing a leader for the next four years, Democrats win.

DOUG KIMBALL

Sandpoint