Vernon’s party switch no big deal

To all my fellow Democrats who take issue with the fact Monica Vernon, now a Democrat, used to be a Republican: What's the big deal?

History is full of serious and accomplished public servants who changed political parties. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren used to be a Republican, as was former congressman and Obama Cabinet member Leon Panetta. Likewise with Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez from California. Oh, and we must not forget Hillary Clinton, who worked for Barry Goldwater's presidential campaign in 1964.

What matters to me is what a candidate stands for. In Vernon's case, she supports marriage equality, a woman's right to choose, protecting and strengthening Social Security and Medicare, and equal pay for equal work. And she believes that climate change is real and needs a sensible, scientific approach to combat it. These are all stances in line with the platform of the Democratic Party.

I'm a lifelong Democrat who is 100 percent committed to Vernon for Congress in Iowa's 1st District. I voted early for Vernon and urge you to do the same.

Charles R. Crawley

Cedar Rapids