Tony Hullender and Rep. Michele Reneau are running for state representative in District 27. Having heard both candidates, I support Michele Reneau.

My decision follows an interaction with Mr. Hullender on May 12th after a forum. When I asked if he supported Medicaid for illegal aliens, he initially claimed they were ineligible. When I corrected him, he admitted they receive coverage for emergencies and childbirth - and expressed no objection.

I believe taxpayer dollars should not fund Medicaid for those in the country illegally.

While anyone can receive medical treatment, those not residing here legally should be responsible for those costs, not taxpayers.

This issue is personal. In 2021, my husband of 34 years was hospitalized with COVID-19. Because the hospital was at capacity, he spent ten days in the emergency room and I could not visit him until the day before he died. I am left wondering: would he have received better care if our hospitals were not overcrowded?

Mr. Hullender does not seem to view this strain on our healthcare system as a problem - but I do. Given his background handling Medicaid fraud for Blue Cross Blue Shield and his work for the Attorney General’s office, he should be acutely aware of these pressures. His endorsements suggest a "good old boy" system, leaving me to wonder how he would vote regarding public benefits and insurance giants.

In contrast, Michele Reneau is honest, conservative and works to ensure our tax dollars are spent wisely. She has a proven record of listening to constituents and taking action. I urge you to join me in voting for Michele Reneau, a proven conservative leader.

Melony Stover