I'd like for all of us to take a moment to think about a phenomenon going on in the 8th District. It's illustrated by this photograph posted to the right. If you look closely, you'll notice that along with the two Kissell signs on the truck is the trademark oval "W" sticker proudly displayed by supporters of President Bush.

Yes, there are Republicans supporting Larry Kissell.

No, they haven't "seen the light". They aren't giving up their conservative ideology. They do not want to stand under the big tent. The "End Times" have not arrived. Hell has not frozen over.

The fact is there are many conservatives who believe that character counts. They see in Larry Kissell the same qualities we see. They like them as much as we do.

Some of them have more in commmon with Larry than we do. They are from the same background. The are cut from the same cloth. They've walked the same paths.

I'm not chiding anyone here to watch what they say. I've spewed as much venom at Bush and the Republicans in Washington as the next person.

We simply need to keep in mind that there are folks on the other side of the aisle who want to send the best man or woman to Washington. They want a representative who undertands what it's like to walk in their shoes. For many Republicans in the 8th District Larry Kissell is the man who can understand their perspective and take their voice to Washington.

If you've read much of what I've written about Larry Kissell, you might remember that I often call Larry an 8th District Democrat. For some voters it won't be the Democrat part of the label that's important.

Next time you feel the need to go off on President Bush or Republicans in general, keep in mind that one of those Republicans may very well cast the winning vote for Larry.