“…the property of the people.” — Cicero, De Re Publica
15.1% of receipts from PACs — clean under the 15% cap, and no corporate leadership PAC. (FEC 2026)
60
2Free & Fair Electionscritical
82%★ earned
“The ballot is stronger than the bullet.” — Abraham Lincoln
No 2020 election denial, no fake-elector role, and no documented support for partisan gerrymandering. (Jan 6 roll call; OpenSecrets; redistricting record)
60
3The Dignity of the Opponent
75%★ earned
“Treat humanity … always as an end and never as a means only.” — Kant
Nurse and maternal-health advocate; measured, policy-focused tone toward opponents.
60
4Fear Is Not Fuel
68%★ earned
“…the better angels of our nature.” — Lincoln, First Inaugural
Affirmative healthcare agenda (Momnibus); messaging emphasizes solutions over threat.
60
5Truth & a Kept Word
75%★ earned
“…living within the truth.” A representative owes “his judgment.” — Havel · Burke
Clean fact-check record; votes consistent with stated health and frontline positions.
60
6Against the Spirit of Party
45%☆ not yet
“The baneful effects of the spirit of party.” — Washington, Farewell Address
Frontline moderate who mostly votes with the party; limited documented independence.
60
7Morality
75%★ earned
“The time is always right to do what is right.” — Martin Luther King Jr.
No documented personal-ethics or corruption matters on record; default character rating.
60
Engage Underwood
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This review is offered freely and openly to correction. A challenge is considered only when it states a specific reason and links to sources that substantiate it — an assertion without evidence is not reviewed.
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Scores are Independent 2026’s own editorial read against the Seven Articles — ≥60% earns the star. The first two Articles are critical: fail Open Books or Free & Fair Elections and there is no seal, whatever else holds. Each Article carries its founding quote as the yardstick. On bias →