Editor:

On Tuesday, Feb. 5, Republican voters in 22 states will have the chance to choose who will be their nominee and quite possibly go on to become the next President of the United States.

We have the opportunity to choose a man of integrity with the experience, knowledge and backbone to stand up for what's best for our nation in the most important areas of national security, the national budget and taxes, and moral issues.

That man is Senator John McCain.

With his experience as a navy pilot shot down and held as a prisoner of war in Viet Nam for over five years, and with his service on the Foreign Affairs Committee of the U.S. Senate, McCain has what it takes to keep our nation strong and safe against threats from foreign aggressors.

Throughout his time in Congress, McCain has championed the cause of balanced budgets and eliminating wasteful spending that has led to our $9 trillion national debt - making the interest payments the third largest item in the federal budget.

Finally, since being elected to the House of Representatives in 1982, McCain has consistently voted pro-life, recognizing the sanctity of the unborn, who have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, as all Americans are guaranteed by the Constitution.

Please join me in voting for John McCain for President of the United States. Learn more and watch the video of his extraordinary life at www.johnmccain.com.

Allen Payton

Co-Chair, Contra Costa County

John McCain 2008