It’s beginning to look like we have a nominee for the 2008 Presidential Election.

John McCain is a national hero, of that there is no doubt. However many in the Republican Party question his loyalty to the great Republican principles. McCain aligned himself with liberal Senator Fiengold and ultra-liberal Teddy Kennedy on matters that are important to Republicans, even voting initially against the Bush tax cuts.

McCain’s position on amnesty for illegal aliens see to be the most offensive from those who talk to me about his candidacy. He often says he “got the message.” He claims the message to be “the people want the borders protected first.” First before what is the question. First before amnesty for millions of illegal aliens? Or, first before we begin to repatriate those who came here illegally back to their country of origin? Most agree repatriation will be painful and time consuming and must be handled in a compassionate manner but most Republicans and American citizens want it to happen.

I think McCain’s presidential ambitions boil down to two things. One is his position on giving citizenship to illegals already in this country and secondly, who he picks as his running mate.

It’s hard for me to recall an election that spins on who the VP candidate is as much as this election. There are two reasons for the importance of McCain’s choice for VP. First, because of McCain’s advanced age his successor is vitally important and secondly, McCain must find a running mate who can fill in the philosophical gap between his record in the senate and historical Republican principles.

Let’s all work hard the make candidate McCain President McCain but hang onto our Republican principals at the same time. Those things together will give us security and peace for years to come.