To the Editor:

For NY-21, the recent statement by Democratic candidate Blake Gendebein that he is willing and eager to work with members of Congress of either party opens the door to the only real method to end the tariff war with Canada. 

The Senate passed a measure to end these tariffs over a year ago. In contrast, the House, with a majority of Republican members acting with blind loyalty to the current Administration, has refused to take action on the tariffs.

Blake’s desire to work across the aisle is a refreshing goal. 60% of all Americans live within 100 miles of the Canadian border. House representatives, regardless of party affiliation, need to represent us, their constituents, to end these mutually harmful tariffs.

Republican candidate Antonin Constantino follows the tradition set by Mitch McConnell after the election of Barack Obama, when McConnell convened an assembly of Republican lawmakers to demand that they band together to oppose literally any measures that Obama proposed, regardless of whether these proposals would benefit the American public. 

 This form of mindless unity of Republicans in Congress has relentlessly progressed to culminate in the “perfect storm” we now clearly see in 2026, with 1) an unnecessary war not approved by Congress, costing billions of taxpayer dollars and loss of life of US military men and women, 2) dramatically increased costs of all basic costs of living, from fuel, food and most other expenses both due to the war and the inflammatory tariffs on our cherished neighbors in Canada, 3) dramatic loss of income in border areas due to decreased tourism by Canadians and disruption of normal commerce, and 4) a stubborn and persistent “unity” of Republicans in Congress to “bend the knee” to the current Administration,, regardless of morality, the rule of law and the highest standard of real greatness, compassion for our friends and neighbors, both domestically and in international relations.

A vote for Constantino is a vote for mindless obedience to a monomaniacal international bully, who Constantino claims is the best president in US history. A vote for Blake is a vote to open our hearts and minds to new solutions to problems both here and abroad. Get Out To Vote, Early, for Blake Gendebein.

Jane Lammers
Canton