Cabo and Richie,

I have met and had the opportunity to discuss issues with Rich Nugent, probably to a greater extent than most of his constituents. And as a matter of fact, I like what Rich Nugent says his values are. I'm not the least bit put off by his membership in the Tea Party. I've said that I agree with much of what the Tea party stands for, if not their approach towards achieving their objectives. I've said that here in this forum.

As a family man, Rich Nugent has done an exemplary job. He has sons that any father would burst his buttons being proud of. That doesn't happen by chance.

My only problem with Rich Nugent is that he is totally under the control of the House GOP leadership (and whomever controls them). Regardless of what Congressman Nugent says, he can only vote as he is directed by his ideologically-driven leaders. If he wanted to reach a political compromise with the Democrats for the good of the country, he couldn't do it without incurring the wrath of the House GOP leadership and maybe the leadership of the Tea Party Caucus. And also maybe Grover Norquist.

You might argue that yes he can vote his own mind. But the fact is that he hasn't! So I see no alternative but to vote to replace our Congressman, however much I might like him personally and agree with his position on important issues.

Your response to my telling people of the candidacy of John Russell is exactly why things are unlikely to change in the Congress. By the way, is there anything that I said in my post above that "pumps up" Mr. Russell? I don't think so. If Russell has one single attribute that appeals to me, it's his pledge of independence from any political party. He has pledged to govern for the good of the country, not the good of either political party.

Too many people will say that they think that Congress is doing a terrible, irresponsible job for the people...but go on to say that their Congressman or Senator is actually OK. If that's the way you vote, not much is likely to change in Washington. We'll have the same Congress and the same party leaders until they either retire or die...and the same dysfunctional government that we've seen for a decade now. I only suggest that people who read these posts think about that.