I'm a sixth-generation Arizona conservative who tends to vote for moderates on both sides of the political spectrum.

Sen. John McCain was my presidential choice until he decided in 2004 to embrace George Bush's presidency to up his chances for 2008. When he beat the presidential field to become the presumptive nominee, I hoped Mitt Romney would be tapped for vice president. I feel in my bones McCain will not live out his first term, and so I'd sure like to have a business savant in the White House.

Gov. Palin's "true grit" is impressive, but I sure don't want her one heartbeat away from the presidency.

So despite my Obama/Biden leanings, McCain's "fight with me" acceptance speech deeply moved me. Then I remembered a McCain/Palin vote means four more years of the Republican corporate machine that has controlled our economy and foreign affairs for the past 10 years, beginning with Newt Gingrich's "Contract With America" victory.

McCain's rhetoric moved me to tears. But the mere thought that his party would continue its hold on the Bush/Cheney model of the imperial executive for another four years gives me the willies. I just can't contemplate enduring more of the same. - Melanie G. Jacobson,Prescott

