I have no doubt that a successful murder prosecutor can muster "fire in the belly" for a political campaign. But can he instigate economic reform? Can he protect Social Security and Medicare? Can he identify and help bring an end to waste and fiscal abuse in the federal government? Or would we better off electing a successful businessman and certified fraud examiner with experience in such matters?

My simple point, Johnathan, is that Andrew Martin has got answers, and he has taken action on his political beliefs. He doesn't just post carefully edited positions on the Internet. He's out in the community. He walks his talk.

Luck is found at the intersection of preparation and opportunity. Voters in CD3 deserve the opportunity to hear the two candidates openly discuss the issues we care about. Let's see who is best prepared to represent our interests in Washington. As a public servant whose livelihood has been persuading people to see things his way, Mr. Daskas should welcome a one-on-one debate with Andrew Martin.

BTW, I do read web sites. I personally cannot endorse any candidate who stops short of supporting healthcare coverage for every American. Simply lowering costs is not enough.

Let’s see if I understand this correctly, Johnathan.

Dario Herrera, Tom Gallagher, and Tessa Hafen apparently were candidates who “knew how to listen actively” to the “sound advice from experienced political operatives.” All three of them then lost to “rotten-to-the-core, radical, right-wing, nutcase Republican” Jon Porter.

Now the Democratic Party, after failing to attract three supposedly more qualified individuals as a CD3 candidate, is training Robert Daskas in the fine art of campaigning and winning elections. They are schooling him, and he is “listening,” because despite his long tenure here, he has no political background whatsoever, nor has he demonstrated any involvement in local Democratic politics until quite recently.

Meanwhile, Andrew Martin has been walking precincts and “listening” to voters in CD3. He has been attending meetings of the Democratic Clubs around the Valley, taking an active interest in the concerns of their members since early last year. He is a dues-paying member of and active contributor to the Nevada State Democratic Party and the Clark County Central Committee. He is an elected delegate to the County Convention.

Andrew Martin was also the very first person to endorse the Veteran’s Bill of Rights. In fact, he has taken a stand in support of our troops right in front of Jon Porter’s Henderson office. You were there, Johnathan. Remember last August’s heat? We were shoulder to shoulder protesting Porter’s pro-Bush and continued Iraq War positions.

You see, Andrew Martin already understands the issues. He knows what needs to be done. No one needs to teach him what to think or say. That’s why I trust Andrew Martin to represent me and CD3. I believe he has the best shot of unseating Jon Porter in November.

As for homicide prosecutor Robert Daskas, I've met him, and he is a good man. I believe he would make a great candidate for judge. It’s too late for him to file for the judicial elections coming up this year, but as you say, he can suspend his campaign and we can get him “elected to an appropriate position next cycle.” Or we can let the voters of CD3, not the NSDP or DCCC, decide who we want to replace Jon Porter in August. As a CD3 resident, I say, "Andrew Martin for Congress."