by Joan K. Mell, Hamilton
One of my favorite Ryan Zinke photographs captures why I am voting November 8th for Ryan Zinke to represent Montana’s First Congressional District. The photo was taken at my Hamilton law office where Ryan visited to support my race in a local primary over my opponent, a long-term male incumbent.
His wife Lola, a highly educated lawyer and self-sufficient woman, accompanied him. I figured she had the tougher job greeting strangers as a private non-candidate. Even so, she was engaging. So was Ryan. He assured us all democracy was not dead and Americans will come together for the greater good. No grousing. As we all mingled, the photo captured what I value in Ryan – he leans into the woman he loves. He looks at her in the middle of a crowd and she engages him eye to eye with mutual respect. She matters. Importantly, I am convinced that other women like me matter to Ryan Zinke too.
I asked Ryan to oppose an absolute ban on abortion. Ryan agreed and committed publicly that he is not aligned with those Republicans who seek a total ban on abortion. While neither of us think abortion is ok, criminalizing it absolutely is too harsh. Thank you, Ryan Zinke, for respecting the complexities of a tough issue. I am confident you will lead with women, not against. Montana will be well served under your leadership.