Absentee ballots are ready to be mailed so it is important that we have a dialogue in Michigan, within each party, Republican and Democratic, as to who would best be deserving of our votes and who might best be representative of their party in the November general election.

The issues facing the nation also face Livonia. We are not an isolated island and FridayMusings recognizes that we have a need to address each party and the candidates seeking the nomination for President.

Republican Primary

On the Republican side we had hoped that Governor John Kasich would be the standard bearer of the Republican Party, at least be a viable alternative to compare to President Donald Trump. But that is not to be. However, the candidate on the ballot deserving of the vote for those desiring to cast a Republican ballot for Presidential nomination is Republican former Governor  Bill Weld, who wants to bring the "bedrock principles and practices of fiscal conservatism, total honesty and transparency, absolute support for all matters of individual freedom, informed and intelligent practices of free trade and international diplomacy, intense dedication to environmental issues, a laser-like focus on the future of jobs and wages."

The most significant issue that Bill Weld understands and addresses is climate change as an issue that "fractures into a myriad of side debtes, such as carbon pricing, nuclear power, natural gas." In other words the issue of climate change cannot be wrapped neatly as one spoken in cliches, mantras, or sloganeering. He clearly defines climate change as one requiring a national dialogue on all the multitude of climate issues. Imagine that. A national dialogue and understanding of the issue.

To focus on any of the issues Weld brings up requires a leader who is curious, "focused and open minded". Qualities missing from the current President of the United States.

Our nation deserves a dialogue within each party. Weld brings that quality to the Republican Party. A desire to discuss access to wage and wealth disparity, "healthcare, parental leave, child care, and quality education."

On March 10 if you are voting in the Republican primary send a message and vote for Bill Weld.

Democratic Primary

On the Democratic side FridayMusings has appreciated the number of candidates that have made the case to receive the nomination to face off with President Donald Trump in November. Mayor Pete Buttigieg was the first to capture our attention. He had it all. Veteran. Youthful, fresh face offering a  bold new course, turning the page, and giving Americans hope that we will guide the country to a better place.

Elizabeth Warren who wants to "dream big, fight hard and build  a grassroots movement to fight corruption head on and put power in the hands of the people." Bernie Sanders who is "running for president so that, when we are in the White House, the movement we build together can achieve economic, racial, social and environmental justice for all."

Both Warren and Sanders have the passion and the ideas. Buttigieg brings that new generation of leader, the JFK, the Barack Obama. Three solid candidates.

On the Democratic side after long deliberation the candidate best suited and most deserving of the vote to be nominated to run against President Donald Trump in November is Senator Amy Klobuchar. The reasons are relatively easy and straight forward as each of her priorities affect those of us who call Livonia home:

1. Her position on climate change is solid and stands in stark contrast to the current President.  She is committed to tackling the climate crisis and believes that it is an urgent priority for our communities, for our economy and for our planet. On day one of Amy's presidency she will get us back into the International Climate Change Agreement. On day two and day three, she will bring back and strengthen clean power rules and gas mileage standards. She will put forward sweeping legislation that provides a landmark investment in clean-energy jobs and infrastructure, provides incentives for tougher building codes, promotes rural renewable energy and development.

2. As President, Amy will combat substance use disorder and prioritize mental health, including launching new prevention and early intervention initiatives, expanding access to treatment, and giving Americans a path to sustainable recovery.

3. Amy will tackle Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia, enhance health care and retirement security, keep Social Security and Medicare strong, invest in long-term care and caregivers, reduce skyrocketing prescription drug costs.

4. She supports changes to the Affordable Care Act to help bring down costs to consumers including providing cost-sharing reductions, making it easier for states to put reinsurance in place, and continuing to implement delivery system reform. And she's been fighting her whole life to bring down the cost of prescription drugs.

FridayMusings agrees completely with the endorsement of the New Hampshire Union Leader that "If there is to be any realistic challenge to Trump in November, the Democratic nominee needs to have a proven and substantial record of accomplishment across party lines, an ability to unite rather than divide, and the strength and stamina to go toe-to-toe with the Tweeter-in-Chief.  That would be U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar of Minnesota. She is sharp and witty, with a commanding understanding of both history and the inner workings of Capitol Hill."

Regardless of who has your vote for the right to face off in November for President FridayMusings is encouraging you to vote. On the Republican side we are endorsing Bill Weld and on the Democratic side we are endorsing Amy Klobuchar.

Are you supporting someone else? Let us know who and why. Disagree with us? Let us know why.