To the Editor:

Typically, when one writes a letter to the editor supporting a candidate, they write about the candidate’s political strengths and accomplishments. My focus will be different. There is a vast amount of information already available about Elise Stefanik on the Internet if one cares to Google her name. This letter will concentrate on Elise, the person.

Political life is not for the weak of heart. Fortunately for the constituents of the 21st Congressional District, Elise is a woman of great strength and character. She will often joke that her greatest collegiate accomplishment was that she managed to graduate from liberal Harvard University with her conservative values still intact.

Elise truly listens to her constituents. It is not unusual to hear Elise say that we humans have two ears and one mouth; we should use them proportionally. Elise may not agree with you but she will always listen to what you have to say.

Elise has great respect and empathy for our military veterans. There have been many news clips and stories about Elise speaking or visiting military installations such as Fort Drum. What you do not see is Elise taking the time to sit down with an elderly veteran and just listen to anything he or she wants to tell her.

Just like millions of other women, Elise is balancing motherhood and work. And, just like millions of other women, she accepts the day’s challenges, sets her family and work priorities, puts her head down and gets the job done for her family and for her constituents.

Elise is passionate in her beliefs and unabashedly proud to be an American. She believes that we have a right to protect ourselves and our homes and will fight for your second amendment rights. She is not only a member of the NRA; she has an A+ rating with the NRA.

Elise has had many political accomplishments but it is Elise the person who impresses me most. She has my vote for who she is, what she has accomplished and what she will do for the north country in the future.

Nancy W. Foster
Louisville