I don’t know how many people even read my articles or how many even care what I think.  I maintain this site as much as to provide an outlet for my thoughts and beliefs – my rants – as anything.  In 2008 we are faced with a historical election that could shape our nation for decades.  Voters need to consider carefully who they vote for as the impact will be lasting.  Having just completed my ballot, here are the people I believe should be chosen to lead this nation.

President – John McCain
Neither of these two candidates was my first choice for president back when the primaries started but these are the two we have to choose from now.  The United States is facing some of its hardest times right now.  The economy is struggling and we are embroiled in two foreign conflicts.  Whoever is president for the next four years is going to have to tackle those issues and many more.  I believe the man best able to lead this nation is John McCain.  Members from both sides of the aisle agree that his principles are unquestionable and he has shown the ability to work with everyone, no matter their party affiliation.  His experience as a member of the United States Navy gave him a unique perspective on world affairs and his time in the senate has given him the experience and background on the issues of the day.  One major issue that has gotten lost in the din over the economy is that of national security and here again, McCain’s credentials are impeccable.  The War on Terror is nowhere near over and there are groups plotting attacks on our homeland right this moment.  We have remained safe for the least seven years due to a strong domestic security policy and that is in no small part due to John McCain’s efforts in the Senate.  Barack Obama may someday make a fine candidate but there are just too many unknowns about him.  He is inexperienced to say the least and his questionable past – and current – associations cause concern.  Members of his own party, including his running mate Joe Biden, have questioned whether Obama is ready to lead.  Now is not the time for on the job training.  Send the maverick and real American hero to the White House.  Vote for John McCain.

United States Senate – Bob Schaffer
Voters are presented with two stark contrasts in choices to represent Colorado in the United States Senate.  On one hand we have our own current congressman Mark Udall, a Boulder-type liberal with leanings a long ways out of the middle-right of most Coloradoans.  On the other is Bob Schaffer, a previous three-term congressman who is at the other spectrum leaning far right.  In the end, I simply cannot find myself reconciling Udall’s past stance on issues or some of his Boulder liberal leanings (he did after all want to create a Department of Peace).  Mr. Udall does have some moderate positions that I admire, but I just have disagreements with some of the others.  I believe that Bob Schaffer represents more of what Colorado needs.  As a United States Congressman, Bob Schaffer pledged to only serve six years.  This was a highly fashionable pledge at the time that was oftentimes quickly forgotten by many politicians, but not by Bob Schaffer – he served for six years and stepped aside.  He is a strong advocate for national defense, believes in states’ rights, believes in lower taxes and that we know better what to do with our money than the government and he knows that energy production here at home is one of the single most vital issues we face today.  One final consideration is that of the makeup of the federal legislature.  While I may be partisan in my views oftentimes, I do not believe that any one party should have too much power and it is perilously close to the Democrats having free reign of the legislature.  This is never a good idea – no matter which party it may be – and should be factored into any voters thinking.  Vote for Bob Schaffer. 

United States Congress – Scott Starin
Congressional District 2 finds itself a dichotomy.  The western half which includes Boulder swings far left.  The eastern part which includes Thornton is much more centrist in its beliefs.  Sadly the numbers of left leaning voters in Boulder simply drown out the more moderate voices of Adams County and Thornton.  As a result, Thornton residents have been and most likely are going to continue to be stuck with a congressman that doesn’t represent their beliefs and what they think is important.  It matters little who the Republicans put up – they are simply lambs to the slaughter by the Boulder left.  The Republicans acknowledge this and have virtually given up our district for dead which is a shame.  I believe that the right candidate with the right backing by the party could win the district or at least force those on the left to pay attention to Adams County.  This year we have millionaire Democrat Jared Polis, an Internet entrepreneur with a business background but with very liberal social views.  Scott Starin, an aerospace engineer from Lafayette is this year’s Republican lamb.  Mr. Starin’s central views certainly fit more in line with those of Adams County voters – He can work both sides of the aisle, believes in a strong national defense and despises the growth of government and its outrageous spending.  He would be a fine representative for our area.  I just wish there was hope.  Also see my notes under the Senate race about the dangers of one party having too much control.  Vote for Scott Starin. 

UPDATE, 10/21/08, 2:30pm – I recently had an interesting discussion with someone regarding my endorsements and in particular the House of Representatives race.  As I reflected on what was said, I think perhaps a bit more discussion might be in order.  As I stated, in the past I have felt that the representation the Adams County area had was not entirely in tune with what folks in the area want or believe.  My feelings about that may have made me turn a bit of a blind eye and understate the qualifications of Jared Polis.  In all actuality I guess I didn’t say much about him at all. 

Of the Democratic candidates that ran during the primaries, Mr. Polis’ general views did place him much more central than his opponents and this should be noted.  His business background does lend itself to dealing with the current economic downturn we now face.  Also, his education policies and support of school choice have certainly put him at odds with his own party at times which is a good sign of an independent thinker.  His work through his self-named foundation has been a model of a successful entrepreneur giving back to the community and remembering where he came from which is also notable. 

Oftentimes we are too quick to judge a candidate by whether they have an R or a D after their name and as such, we don’t give them a fair shake.  I am as guilty of that as anyone, probably simply because of my previously stated feelings about Adams County’s prior representation.  I do not believe Mr. Polis would be a bad representative for us at all – indeed I think he would do fine.  I simply prefer the overall picture that Mr. Stain presents. 

State Senate, State House, Adams County Commissioner and Judges – No one
A few years ago I was taught a pretty hard lesson in politics – that even local politics are nasty and despicable and those in power do not like their actions or policies to be questioned.  As a vocal citizen who was not shy about speaking his mind I was punished and my voice was squashed.  Lies were spread and some hateful things were said.  Worst of all, those involved could not separate the politics from the man and as a result decided to go after the community projects I am involved in.  At that time I had a choice – continue to speak my mind or bite my tongue for the good of the community and those I seek to honor.  It maddens me that I had to make that choice at all but I feel I made the right one and since that day I have not taken a public position on any local political candidate and very few local issues.  I do this for the good of the project although I really should not have to.  I offer these simple thoughts.  Take a long hard look at each candidate and pick the one that you feel best represents your beliefs. 

I will be looking at which candidate:

• Represents fiscal responsibility
• Believes that government does its best when it gets out of the way of people
• Believes personal responsibility is more important than the government taking responsibility for a person
• Believes in strict interpretations of the Constitution 
• Believes that the lowest level of government possible is the best one to make decisions
• Truly believes in a strong national defense and doesn’t just pay it lip service

Whether they have an R or a D after their name shouldn’t matter – something which I myself may pay a bit too much attention to.