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My name is Cleo Howard. I am 86 years old. I have lived in Clark County for more than 50 years.

I would like to say to this community that I love: I have put much thought and prayer into what I am about to say.

For the past 40 years, I have been a registered Democrat.

I have worked hard to help the Democratic Party, but I feel like a veil has been lifted, and I can no longer close my eyes and heart to what I see happening in our country.

I want my friends who are still in the Democratic Party, whom I care about, to please listen to me and change over to the Republican Party or independent so you can support our president.

I believe our president cares about our country and our law enforcement officers.

During this year, I have witnessed so much hate, anger and division of the beautiful people of this country. I felt I needed a change.

Several months ago, I traveled to the Clark County Courthouse and changed my party so I could support my president, Donald J. Trump, for re-election.

I had watched him reach out to the Democratic Party so many times, but to no avail.

People, it is time for us to open our eyes to what is happening to our country and re-elect our president to reunite our people.

Trump believes in law and order and has created thousands of jobs.

He is for the little man.

We cannot do anything from 1,000 miles away, but we can start right here in our hometown.

All the things going on in our country today, this awful sickness and all the hatred, everything being politicized — Trump is not to blame.

We cannot give in to fear. Do not let fear overcome you. Please pray for our country.

I believe with all my heart that Trump loves the USA and wants the best for our people.

Trump worked with Congress to give the people a stimulus package to help us financially because of a situation that he had no control over.

You surely cannot blame this president for the state of the economy right now.

I am personally asking each of you to consider supporting the Republican Party and to vote to re-elect Donald Trump to help make American great again.

Thank you for listening and considering my thoughts.

Cleo Howard, Winchester