PRESIDENT

In the race for president, John McCain represents the experience, know-how, bi-partisanship and toughness needed to lead the United States for the next four years.

A Republican member of the U.S. Senate from Arizona, McCain is vastly more experienced than relative newcomer and his Senate colleague, Illinois Democrat Barack Obama. The charismatic Obama’s campaign mantra has been “Change,” and it has caught on in a country ready for a new look in Washington, an end to the war in Iraq and fresh ideas on resolving the current economic crisis. He is not the only change agent, however.

McCain has made a career of swimming against the tide when his conscience and common sense have dictated. His maverick image is derived from a reputation for advocating a different road than the GOP establishment and working in a bi-partisan way with Democrats to get things done in D.C. That, in itself, represents change.

The world is an unsafe place in 2008, with dangers from terrorist groups, rogue nations like Iran and a resurgent, muscle-flexing Russia. Obama is not as naïve as many have tried to project, yet he is far less savvy in the ways of dealing with foreign powers and military matters than former fighter pilot and Vietnam prisoner of war McCain.

Whoever is elected president on Nov. 4 is likely to face a rough first year, managing a country in recession, dealing with twin battlegrounds in Afghanistan and Iraq and controlling the bellicose leadership of Iran and Russia. A steady hand at the wheel of America’s ship of state is necessary for safe passage through these turbulent waters. That would belong to John McCain.

For these reasons and others, John McCain wins the endorsement of the Daily Journal/Daily Messenger for President of the United States.

U.S. SENATE

Seneca’s own Lindsay Graham is our choice for U.S. Senate. Graham has represented the Palmetto State in Congress since 1993, winning election to the Senate in 2002 to replace Strom Thurmond. He has risen quickly to become one of the senior body’s most respected and effective members, attaching his name to important legislation, forming coalitions to break through legislative logjams and appearing frequently on network news interview programs as a conservative spokesman.

Graham reached new national prominence earlier in this election season as one of John McCain’s primary surrogates on the election trail, delivering a prime-time address at the Republican National Convention. Giving speeches and parrying with Democrats and commentators on television are not necessarily qualifications for the Senate. They speak, however, to the acumen Graham has displayed in Washington and the esteem in which he is held nationally, as well as in South Carolina.

Graham is a rising star. He is also an effective member of the U.S. Senate, representing South Carolinians and looking out for their interests, while holding down numerous assignments with national and international implications. He deserves another six years.

U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Third District U.S. Rep. Gresham Barrett is one of Congress’ most conservative members, and as such is in tune with the majority of his constituents here in the southwestern part of South Carolina. Barrett, of Walhalla, is concluding his third term in the U.S. House of Representatives and has earned his way onto several committees with important ties to South Carolina. His respect and clout are growing.

Barrett is a fiscal and social conservative, two characteristics that hold true with most of the people he represents. He is known in the halls of Congress as a representative who will stand on principle, and in the doing, help bring common sense and fiscal responsibility to the legislation of new laws. He has also displayed a pragmatic side, though, and will bend when necessary to help important legislation pass.

Strong on national defense, Barrett is the best choice to make sure America’s military and internal security forces have the resources and backing they need to both fight and deter enemies abroad and at home. His forceful stands as a fiscal and social conservative make him a valuable counterweight to a House of Representatives growing increasingly liberal in those and other areas.

Barrett is one of Oconee County’s own. His record of constituent and national service has earned him two more years in Congress.