It appears that political ideology has been creeping into Central Coast politics in the form of Tea Party radicalism. Determined to hold on to power, newly elected Republican Assemblyman Jordan Cunningham has promised a "battle royale" in order to "make sure we keep our advantage" ("Building unity," Jan. 19). 

This divisive rhetoric so typical of the Tea Party comes from a man elected to represent all of us. That he should abandon a pragmatic approach to the problems we all face in favor of a partisan ideology that places his party above practical problem solving is shameful. Just when we so badly need leadership that is inclusive and open to all points of view and all approaches to problem solving we appear to have saddled ourselves with yet another ideologue who knows what's best for all of us. 

One has to wonder what he means by "our advantage." Whose advantage is he talking about? It's clear: The gang of Lynn Compton, Debbie Arnold, John Peschong, and Cunningham. For them, winning is more important than finding out what works for all of us. Evidently when you're "alt-right," you're just never wrong. Sad. It's pretty clear why I didn't see him at the Women's March.

-- Steve Belasco - San Luis Obispo