Writing letters to the editor is an important way to support Republican candidates and the issues that are important to all of us. Don't let the opposition monopolize the editorial pages!   If you feel strongly about something -- whether it's personal freedom, limited government, traditional values, or whatever -- you need to get involved.

Never written a letter to the editor before?  Here are a few letter writing tips:

• Limit to 50-250 words. Longer letters (300+ words) tend not to get published. Shorter letters have a greater impact, are more likely to be read by a variety of people.
• Include your contact information. The newspaper needs to verify the letter came from you. Include your full name, address, city, zip, and a phone number where they can reach you during the day.
• Use one name. Do not sign the letter as a couple.
• Keep your letter focused. Immediately get right to the purpose of your letter and follow through to your natural conclusion. Don't worry about answering every possible counter-argument. Focus on your main point. You (or someone else) can always write again about the same or similar subject later.
• Make your letter relevant to the community. How will the issue affect real people, families, kids? How will it affect the future of our city, our state, our nation?
• Continue the discussion. If possible, make reference to a letter or article that has already been written or a local event.
• Make it personal. Tell people why the issue concerns you or why you personally are supporting the issue or candidate.
• Include reference material. Newspapers like the ability to verify your claims. If your letter quotes from some study or includes statistics, include a link for the editor so they can verify your facts.
• Keep it simple. This is not a college thesis. Don't worry about sending a polished masterpiece. Don't overburden your letter with too many boring statistics. You are writing to your friends and your neighbors. Use your own voice and language that is familiar to everyone.
• Be creative. Use humor and have fun. If you can use humor in a clever way, people may be better able to relate to your letter and remember what you wrote.
• Don't quit. There is a perception that newspaper editors act as “liberal thought police” -- that they scrutinize conservative letters more than the liberals. Don't let that be your excuse! Newspapers can and do print letters from conservatives all the time. If your letter is not printed, try reworking your letter and try again.
• Be proud.It's time to develop a thick skin because you may have push back from your neighbors, friends or family. When someone isn't able to win an argument based on facts, they quite often go after Republicans personally. They think that will intimidate you. Don't worry about it. It's part of the deal. You are now a part of the democratic process. Democracy depends on the free exchange of ideas. Hopefully your Republican friends and neighbors will see your letter and they will be encouraged, thanks to you, to write letter of their own.

Here are the e-mail links to our local papers. In most cases, you can submit your letter via e-mail or by copying it into an online form:

Edina Sun Current  - early Wed deadline for Thursday publication.  They will call your phone number and confirm it first.
Bloomington Sun Current
Star Tribune