To the Editor:
I attended the monthly Madison County Republican meeting on April 25th, where Republican candidates were making their best pitch, as we get closer to the June 28th Republican Primary.
In that Primary, we’ll vote for the best Republican candidate, who will go up against the Democrat’s best candidate in November.
I’m proud that Madison County Republicans have such a deep bench of qualified candidates, that we need to choose amongst ourselves in the Primary in several races.
One candidate stood out in particular. Doug Hulme, who is running for County Treasurer.
Mr. Hulme chose to use his time to attack the incumbent County Treasurer, Republican Chris Slusser. Mr. Slusser has been recognized and lauded for his great service as Treasurer to Madison County by many community organizations, including the Alton NAACP. Mr. Slusser is a former member of Alton NAACP, from when he donated to their scholarship programs.
Mr. Hulme said to the crowd of Republicans, “Raise your hand if you’re a current member of the NAACP.” One particularly nice lady who had attended last month, and this month, raised her hand. Mr. Hulme did not acknowledge her. Mr. Hulme then proceeded to conflate NAACP and the Black Lives Matter organization, accusing Slusser of supporting arson, looting, and defunding the Police.
Mr. Hulme is lying, and using blatant racist attacks to “justify” his lies. There is no justification for racism.
Racism is a “Red Line” for me. I don’t tolerate racism, in any form. In the history of humanity, there few things more absurd, and petty than discrimination based on skin color.
The County Treasurer position is meant to serve the interests of ALL citizens living in Madison County. This divisive, racist rhetoric is not what Republicans, and self described Conservatives are about.
As an elected Republican Precinct Committeeman in Madison County, I publicly denounce Doug Hulme, and his candidacy. There is no place for him in Public Service. I demand an immediate end to his campaign. He also needs to resign as Republican Committeeman for Collinsville Precinct 17, and apology (sic) to the citizens of Madison County, the Madison County Republicans, and Conservatives.
Republicans, and Conservatives are for equal opportunity for ALL. They’re for being responsible, accountable, and respectful. My Republican grandmother taught me those principles.
We are all brothers and sisters here in Madison County. We only have one life, so let’s make the best of it, by helping each other succeed, and cheering for each other’s successes.
Should Mr. Hulme not take this seriously, and continue his campaign, it will be up to the Citizens of Madison County to soundly reject him at the ballot box.
Rejecting Hulme should be easy, as Mr. Slusser has earned re-election for his past works, and everyone in Madison County will benefit from his future successes.
Finally, that nice lady, got up and walked out as Mr. Hulme spoke a second time. I hope she comes back next month, with friends, as they are very welcome to join with us to form a more perfect Union.
Douglas Dial, Glen Carbon