We are two weeks away from a long-anticipated general election which will decide offices on levels from the White House to the State House to the County Seat. I assure you, the implications of this election rise far above the reality show which has become the contest for the presidency.

In actuality, the front porch politics of state and county offices has the greatest bearing on our lives and liberties, so it is essential to educate yourself on local candidates before all others. To help guide your decision, I would like to circulate this endorsement of Rick Martin for State Representative for House District 40.

I’ve known Rick and his family since 2014, and I can speak from the heart when I say that Rick is a hard-working, liberty-loving, Christian family man. He and his wife Fran have five daughters: two biological, two adopted, and one in foster care. I can also say that Rick goes to great lengths to help those in need, loving his neighbor as himself. Rick is co-owner of Newberry’s Battery Outlet, a business family-owned and operated since 1986. He understands the burdens big government places on small businesses, homeowners, and families.

Rick has been endorsed by U.S. Congressmen Mick Mulvaney, Jeff Duncan, and Joe Wilson. He also has the full support of the National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the South Carolina Education Association, and numerous local Republican leaders, including Prosperity native Chad Connelly, Director of the Republican National Committee’s Faith Engagement Initiative. Turning to one of my most important issues, Rick has received an “A” rating from the National Rifle Association for his unwavering commitment to protecting our rights to self-defense.

In addition to our Second Amendment rights, Rick supports fixing our roads by reforming the Department of Transportation and getting unnecessary taxes and wasteful spending out of the way. He’ll fight for new industries for Newberry and South Carolina, while cutting the red tape that holds our small businesses back. He’ll also work to leave education decisions with parents and local school districts, and lessen the undue burdens on our teachers.

Rick loves God, loves his family, and loves Newberry County. He works tirelessly throughout the week and saves his Sundays for God. His candidacy offers honesty, commitment, and principled leadership, and it is absolutely imperative that Rick becomes our next State House Representative. He’s a reformer, a fighter, and a true patriot.

I strongly urge you to cast your vote for Rick Martin early at the county election commission, or on Election Day, Tuesday, Nov. 8.

James Salter