I would like to place in nomination the Congressional Representative from the Seventh District in Washington State, Jim McDermott. Representative McDermott has a long and distinguished record of looking out for the interests of the people, even when it brings him into harsh conflict with his colleagues in Congress and in the White House. He has a conscience, and he is one of the few in Washington, D. C. who have the guts to speak from that conscience—and he is an outspoken opponent of the pending war in Iraq.

At a meeting I attended a few weeks ago, after he spoke, there was a question and answer period. During this time, someone asked him, hopefully, if he had any plans to run for President. McDermott smiled, cleared his throat, mumbled something inaudible, then went on to the next question. The person sitting next to me said, "Well, he didn't say 'no.' I'm going to take that as a hopeful sign!" Since, though, there have been no indications that he might be seeking the nomination. I got the impression that he really doesn't want the job. I consider that to be a mark of someone who is better suited to be President than any of the vast number who are actively seeking the nomination. But were he nominated, he may be willing to accept. I would certainly hope so. I know this man's record, and he is one person I could support wholeheartedly.

His website, where you can check him out thoroughly and also see what he has been doing lately, is HERE. You will note that in the various links on his website, he makes his voting record readily accessible. He is quite frank and open about where he stands and I've never heard him engage in meaningless political double-talk or double-speak.

Respectfully submitted for your serious consideration,

Don Firth