Julie Ellsworth’s opponent in the last 48 hours has taken thousands of dollars in donations. Check it out at www.sos.idaho.gov. Who’s attempting to buy this election and what business do they have in the lives of local District 18 residents?

Rep. Julie Ellsworth is an active and effective voice for her constituents of District 18.

For 18 years, her family experienced the pressures of self-employment in Boise. She understands what is needed to keep this economy vibrant for business and will work to remove burdensome taxes and regulations. Her opponent lacks this economic experience.

Ellsworth is a former public school teacher where she has seen the rigors of the classroom firsthand. Her children have either graduated from or are currently attending the local public schools. Education excellence is something she wants for the community and her own children. She has voted consistently to increase funding for public education. She has increased funding for teacher salaries.

Her opponent has taught school, but during that time also came regularly to the Legislature and lobbied for a sales tax increase on services. Ellsworth understands this will squeeze the life out of growing businesses and the family pocketbook.

Ellsworth’s opponent supports a tax on local products and is critical of Julie for not going into more debt to pay for new programs. Again, Ellsworth understands this will squeeze the life out of growing businesses and the family pocketbook.

Last year Ellsworth drafted and passed the “Idaho Free Market Insurance Act.” This is an Idaho solution (not Obamacare) to help reduce the crushing cost of health insurance for families and businesses. Legislators have talked for years about doing this but Ellsworth stepped up to the plate and actively did it. It is no wonder individuals and business owners enthusiastically supported her effort.

Ellsworth drafted and passed ethics reform legislation that provides greater transparency for the public when it comes to campaign financing.

Ellsworth successfully sponsored the “ban on texting while driving” bill. This legislation failed in the House of Representatives for several years, but Julie worked with the opponents to address their concerns and defended it aggressively during floor debate. It passed.

The choice is clear. Vote for active and effective leadership. Reject this effort to over-run local District 18 residents. Vote for Julie Ellsworth on Nov. 6.

Julie Ellsworth, a Boise Republican, is the incumbent in House Seat A in District 18, serving her sixth term.