Guest columnist Arlen Gould: Decisions intended to save the country and the Republican Party

Friends ask me what politically keeps me up at night. What are the issues that will determine my vote? As a lifelong Republican and as a Republican who has chaired many campaigns and worked for great Republicans such as the late Gov. Richard B. Ogilvie, Rep. Sidney Mathias, Congressman and then Senator Mark Kirk and Congressman Bob Dold, I am most troubled by my party's move to become an anti-democracy party on a national level.

The election deniers and those who propagate the big lie that Donald Trump won the presidential election are a real threat to our democratic republic. A democracy cannot survive if individuals and parties don't accept defeat. A democracy cannot survive if a party endorses efforts to overturn a legitimate election. We can certainly debate policies, but we cannot sacrifice the core tenets of democracy.

I am also troubled by those in the Republican Party who champion freedom for all, except for women. Women must have freedom of their reproductive rights. The Illinois Republican candidate for governor has stated clearly that there should be no abortion exceptions even in the case of rape or incest. As a father, husband and an American, this is cause for enormous concern. While I don't believe abortion should be used as birth control, it is a vital part of a women's right to make life's medical decisions regarding their own bodies. Government should not be telling a woman how to care for her own body. That is a decision between a woman and her doctor.

Witness what is happening in Arizona, for example, and in other states where an entire slate of Republicans running for higher office are election deniers. In fact, a vast majority of Republicans running for statewide office nationally are election deniers. This despite the many recounts that have authenticated the elections results in Arizona and across the country. This despite over 50 court decisions that have ruled that no major fraud occurred in the election. If we continue on this path, democracy is doomed in America.

So, it's time to speak out. I therefore join U.S. Rep Adam Kinzinger in endorsing Democrats for the first time in my political career. I hereby endorse Sen. Ann Gillespie for Illinois state Senate (27th), state Rep. Mark Walker (53rd) and candidate Mary Beth Canty for state representative. (54th). Sen. Gillespie has proven that she knows how to cross the aisle to make important and sensitive legislation happen: Mark Walker has a solid record as a fiscally responsible and a very thoughtful and approachable representative and Mary Beth Canty has worked diligently as an Arlington Heights village trustee for all the people of Arlington Heights, knows how to compromise and is a bright and savvy individual.

I endorse all three.

I might not agree with all of their positions. For example, I think the SAFE-T Act needs serious revisions and I don't agree with not notifying parents when a minor is going to receive an abortion.

And, we must continue to work toward fixing our state finances and repairing DCFS, both priorities for these three. With these three individuals, I also know that a woman's right to choose will be protected and democracy will, at least in Illinois, be secured.

I hope that my fellow Republicans in elections facing similar conflicts will also vote to support our democratic process. Not only will it help save our country, it may also help save the Republican Party.

• Arlen Gould is a businessman and community activist from Arlington Heights.