To the editor:

I am a registered Republican right now, and I’m ashamed of that. Gov. Laura Kelly has once again been denied a mask mandate for the state, as opposed by the Kansas Republican leaders. That says to me those Republican leaders care about politics and thwarting the Democratic governor, not the health and lives of Kansans.

Wearing a mask for eight hours a day if you are employed is tough. Most employers already require it. But it’s not forever, only until the virus can be controlled. At the present time, masks, distancing, constant hand-washing, staying at home if you can, and avoiding contact outside your household are the only defenses we have against COVID-19. I cannot support the Republican party statewide or nationally in this issue. They are elected to represent us. If you want change, as I do, say it with your vote.

Sarah Peters,

Lawrence