This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.

After reading Jim Dublinski's statement that Republicans have the duty to support their party nominee, I wanted to share my views on party loyalty as a longtime Democratic Party activist and candidate. I have no party loyalty. I believe in order for people to be self-reliant and productive members of society, they need to be educated and healthy. Democrats like Brian King and Ben McAdams have fought hard to promote education and health in this state. Republicans like Greg Hughes have done everything they can to defund education, block clean-air initiatives and deny health care to those who can't find full-time jobs. As long as the Democrats continue to nominate candidates like Brian King and Ben McAdams, I'll fight for the Democratic party. If my fellow Democrats nominate a candidate who's unfit for office, I hope I can follow the example of David Irvine and stay loyal to my principles, not a label.

Kyle Waters

Draper