The entry of former Georgia Congressman Bob Barr is going to be a real challenge to John McCain's ability to win the Presidency. In fact, I think it causes him to lose ultimately because of the dilemma it creates with disaffected Republicans like me. While I believe that the Republican Party's basic core values relflect my own values, our party's nominee doesnt. So hence the dilemma. Do I vote for a third party candidate like Bob Barr, thereby ensuring that our nation gets a President that is virtually the opposite of my values, or hold my nose and vote for John McCain?

An interesting opportunity has presented itself in Oregon’s largest city, Portland, namely the possible revisions of contracting policies that have led to very expensive, no bid contracts apparently costing the tax and ratepayers extra money.