It has been a very busy four years with incredible developments that few could have anticipated. Of course the most urgent of those has been the terrorist attacks against innocent civilians and the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. As a Viet Nam veteran my prayers are with the fine men and women who bravely face the challenges of uncertain combat and the sacrifices of nation building. Washington State has a large number of military bases with families who are faced with separation from loved ones and sometimes the horror of the ultimate sacrifice. To me, the challenges we face here at home pale in comparison to the contributions these dedicated individuals are making every day in far off lands.

Unfortunately, today our nation is also facing a moral crisis. Liberal activists are challenging some of our most sacred institutions. I was prime sponsor of the Senate version of the "Defense of Marriage Act" that the Legislature passed into law several years back. You may remember that this was only accomplished by an over-ride of the Governor's veto. Nationally and in Washington State these activists are trying to overturn centuries of common sense with protests and lawsuits attacking the traditional family. Washington State needs leaders of proven character who will stand in the gap and fight for the values we hold most dear.