“The state’s overall percentage increase in homelessness from 2020 to 2022 was the highest in the nation.”

It doesn’t seem this group attracts that type of person, and if it does, it doesn’t seem they stick around:

“‘There are some people on both ends of the political spectrum who are unable to have a civil conversation, to disagree without being disagreeable, and they pretty much self-prune,’ said Pipes, 59, a retiree who spends hours in his orchard at his home in Fairfield.”

I have not seen anything from or about him that indicates the words you are putting in quotes (but which you made up yourself) is an accurate portrayal of his views. From his page on reproductive rights:

“Pre-fetal-viability abortion, to me, is a healthcare option that is a part of bodily autonomy and it should be available to all women regardless of your state’s political or cultural makeup. I think this right to bodily autonomy is already protected by the constitution in multiple ways. But clearly the courts disagree. So, the options to affirm that right are:

1. A constitutional amendment explicitly affirming our right to govern our own bodies.

2. A federal law that supersedes the state laws.

3. Changing the make up of the Supreme Court.

I am in favor of all three. I would prefer the first. The second is the most realistic.

“But what about late term abortions"? Like almost everyone, I am repulsed by the idea of a 9 month pregnancy being aborted for trivial or heartless reasons. However, I am also aware that only 1.3% of abortions happen in the second half of pregnancies (post 21 weeks), and any abortion in the last trimester is an exceedingly rare event. Basic logic, and my experience as a parent tells me that almost every single person who has carried a baby to the third trimester intends to keep that baby, and only a fetal anomaly or other tragic situation has made a later term abortion a decision they had to consider.

I don’t believe these tragic situations require further government intrusion in our most personal decisions. Ironically, one thing that would prevent more late term abortions, while protecting the choice of women, would be more access to early abortions and contraception, which I support.”

I think the “fuck this guy” attitude in recent political discourse is destructive to the health of our political system and to our communities. While I don’t think your characterizations of him are fair based on what I have read and heard about and from him, you are entitled to your vote, feelings and opinions.

I’m glad that we have two good candidates in Balint and Madden with a lot of common ground and that they are displaying respect for each other.