While the election season is still a little more than two months away, the midterm elections see both parties trying to gain or hold their control.

Each election cycle, both major political parties clamor to make the best pitch to appease their base while attracting as many from the middle as possible. This leaves most citizens looking at a candidate’s message with partisanship or indifference.

Unfortunately, both perspectives could be damaging for the future of the country.

Nonetheless, those on the right and left want to continue to put their message out, but engaging those in the middle are the key. More than 40 percent of Americans classify themselves as independents, according to a January Gallup poll.

This is a critical time for our nation and each race will help shape the future of our state and region. It is essential for residents to think about the issues that are important with a clear mind, not clouded by party lines.

Regardless of what is presented, both parties play an equal role in the obstacles that are facing the nation.

Simply put, it is going to take a true bipartisan effort to reshape the landscape and anything less will continue America on its current path.