Sic Semper Tyrannis

Congratulations to John McCain who locked up the Republican nomination tonight after sweeping primaries in Texas, Ohio, Rhode Island and Vermont. I also want to say a quick thank you to Mike Huckabee for running a spirited and honorable campaign for President. I certainly don't think we've heard the last of Mr. Huckabee.

With word that President Bush will formally endorse McCain tomorrow it is time for ALL Republicans to put our small differences aside and rally behind the nominee of our Party so that we can focus on the much greater differences between those of us in the GOP and the two much worse options presented by the Democrats.

I am a conservative and I have not always been a fan of John McCain, but I chose to support him for President for a few reasons:

1) John McCain is the one leader of either Party who is best equipped to bring the War in Iraq to a swift and victorious conclusion. I firmly believe that this is the hope of the vast majority of Americans and that neither of the Democrats would be able to accomplish both of those aims. I have no doubt that John McCain, as a former POW, wants nothing less than for all of our brave troops to come home from this war as soon as possible. However, as a soldier he also understands why it is so important that we finish the fight and protect the long-term security interests of the United States in the Middle East.

2) John McCain is basically a conservative and would govern in a manner much more acceptable to conservatives like me than would either potential Democratic nominee. John McCain is pro-life, he supports the 2nd Amendment, he believes in reducing the size and power of the federal government, he has fought his entire career against wasteful government spending, he believes in free trade and lower taxes, he supports conservative justices for the federal courts. Certainly, there is an independent streak to him that sometimes infuriates conservatives. However, his basic beliefs are conservative ones and as President he would be a vauable champion against the ever-expanding glut of government largess.

3) He can win. McCain beats Hillary on experience and he beats Obama on change. He is the one Republican that the Democrats won't be able to paint as "Bush-lite" because everyone already knows him. Furthermore, he is extremely well respected by independents AND Democrats. While McCain has taken a lot of flack for teaming with Democrats, he has done what the American people expect their leaders to do, he hasn't caved in to them, but rather has reached out on those issues where ther is common ground to be found and has gotten things done.

Granted, I don't agree with all of the results of those efforts, but if America is looking to move past partisanship, who should they look to to lead the way? The most liberal Senator in the US Senate who has ducked every controversial debate in his short and undistinguished career? Or the one guy who has put his political future on the line time after time to actually get things done?

John McCain is far and away the best choice for President in 2008. Of that much, I am absolutely certain. I will be making that case here and wherever I go over the next eight months. I hope that all Republicans and everyone else who agrees that we need to keep our country safe, strong and prosperous will join me in that effort.