As a very hard core and persistent conservative Republican, I'm becoming more and more disenfranchised with my party. Though I agree in large part with Bush's policy regarding what once was called the "War on Terror," I haven't been thoroughly enamored with his Presidency. Yes, even I think it's time for a change. And more and more, it's looking like change will come in the form of John McCain - *provided* he can beat Hillary and/or Obama.

I got my Washington State ballot and I just couldn't vote for John McCain. I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, and I hold no high opinion of McCain. And lately, my feelings toward him have coalesced into a firm anger. I am fond of saying that I'm not religious, I'm not always right, and I'm *certainly* not part of the "religious right." Those people embarass me into sometimes not admitting my party affiliation. But I'm very conservative in the fiscal and security realm. John McCain does not show high water marks in either category, despite his proud boasting of being called "Sheriff McCain" when it comes to the pork barrel. And lets not forget the savings and loan scandal that invariably comes up when McCain comes to mind. Nor his intolerance. He claims he will "reach across the aisle" to the Democrats. He can't even do that with his own party.