Candidate deserved better treatment

The treatment of Olivia Benson by many members of the local Democratic Party is appalling. I was floored when I read her reasoning for dropping out of the Senate District 37 special election in Julian Routh’s write up of the Democratic Committee candidate selection convention (Jan. 27, “Local Dems Push Iovino, GOP Boosts Raja for State Senate Race”).

In case you missed it, Ms. Benson cited that a number of members confronted her and questioned her viability due to her race and gender as the reason for her withdrawal. While not condoning the sentiment, I imagine one might expect such statements from some members of the Republican Party. What’s shocking is that this comes from the party that holds racial and gender equality as a key tenet.

Regardless, this kind of railroading is unacceptable from anyone. Prior to suspending my own, independent campaign for the seat, I considered Ms. Benson my toughest competition. Honestly, I felt as though I had no chance to compete against her.

The Democratic Party wants to parade their efforts to improve voter access and end voter suppression (rightfully so), but then turn around and suppress excellent candidates that aren’t made in the party image.

They refuse to promote newcomers like Ms. Benson or Bob Solomon because they are free-thinkers and haven’t paid their dues in the party hierarchy. Maybe I shouldn’t be so shocked by the racial tones of Democrats. Maybe they aren’t as different from the Republicans as I thought. The bottom line is that the Democratic Party should be ashamed for forcing out a vibrant, passionate and energetic advocate as Ms. Benson with such egregious prejudice.

JEFFREY VERMEIRE Collier