LETTER: Campaigning in 2022 comes with challenges

To the editor:

Obviously, the campaign didn’t go as I hoped it would. Logging miles, knocking on doors, and talking to voters, while still working 40-plus hours per week was a challenge. I had my military service disparaged, was called names not fit for print, and was borderline threatened with violence, all because I have a D after my name on the ballot. That is not the America I sacrificed to protect.

I also spoke with hundreds, if not thousands of people, on the “other side of the aisle.” I had fantastic conversations that look to build on the common ground both parties have and sought to cut through the noise we get blasted with by a disingenuous media. We all share common goals and desires. I had campaign signs put up in the deepest of Republican yards. I was invited into numerous homes to discuss policy, which may be the most humbling honor of the campaign experience.

We must stop believing lies told to us by bad faith actors and start acting like we are one people again. There is a lot of work to be done to bridge the divide. Even though I was rejected at the ballot box, I will not stop working on that. We need to keep pressure on our officials to protect our clean water. Something has to be done about the farming bankruptcy rate in Wisconsin. Silver Cliff still needs money for a new fire house.

Jeffrey Mursau beat me at the ballot box fair and square and I wish him success in his 10th term. We ran about as clean a campaign as possible in 2022 and I am thankful for that. I was happy to run against him, not because I dislike the guy, but because competition is healthy in our system of government.

I am excited to become an active member of this community and help for the common good. I could ramble and rant all day about the wonderful experiences I’ve had over the past six months, but I’m sure the newspapers will only allow me so much space. So, I sign off by saying this: Thank you, Northeast Wisconsin for inviting me into your home and speaking to me. I look forward to many more conversations and many more attempts to do what we can do bridge the divide and cut through the noise.

Ben Murray, Porterfield

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