[Congressman Billybob]

I do not see FR as a cabal of "lifelong registered Republicans." I'm a regular here, since almost the beginning. I have been a registered "independent" since I worked as Gene McCarthy's General Counsel in his 1976 run for President as an independent.

No one has ever made me feel uncomfortable because I am an independent. I will say, though, if I ever decide to run for public office again (first time was in 1971), it will be as a Republican. Independents seldom win any partisan offices, though I'll be pleased if Tim Penny pulls it off and is elected Governor in Minnesota this year.

I have no objection if anyone is SO disgusted with the choices in a particular race that they refuse to vote for either (or any) of them. Not voting is a valid choice.

But as long as one is going to be involved, it must be by supporting whichever candidate offers the greater commitment to the basic ideas of America -- and that begins with the Constitution. (The Constitution is my particular hot button, and that's why I so much appreciate FR.)

Well, that's my rant, and I'm stickiing to it.

Congressman Billybob

[Little Bill]

I am a Registered Republican and have been so since I got out of the Army I have a real problem with the Rats in my State.

Every time I go down to the WALL and pray for my FRiends I see a Rat that put them there, Fat Boy the Submariner, Rocker Jaw Kerry. Barney BF, in this place you can't be non partisan