At doors across the Fourth Congressional District and reading through my email inbox, I keep hearing versions of the same question, often from voters who have supported Democrats in the past. Will I hold a president of my own party accountable? And when party leadership pressures me to vote a certain way, whose side will I be on?

Those are fair questions, and every voter deserves a straight answer.

Yes. Transparency and accountability apply to everyone, regardless of party or president. As an Air Force Judge Advocate, my job was the same no matter who was involved: get the facts, find the wrongdoing, hold those responsible accountable, and fix the system so it doesn’t happen again. I will bring that standard to Congress for every official.

As for party pressure, I spent 30 years in the Air Force. There were times I was asked to stay silent or go along with the wrong consensus. I didn’t then, and I won’t in Congress.

In the Air Force, nobody checked each other’s politics before solving a problem. We rolled up our sleeves and got the mission done. That is how I will approach Congress, working with anyone from any party to deliver for this district.

My record already shows that independence. I oppose a national abortion ban, which puts me at odds with many in my party. And I have committed to posting every vote I cast and my reasons for it, so voters can judge me by my record, not my promises.

The people of the Fourth District will be my bosses. Not party leaders, not Washington, and not special interests. Election Day is Nov. 3, and I would be honored to earn your vote.

Monique DeSpain
Eugene