[QUOTE=34_40;476955] I know that it's the same old tactics by both parties, the name calling and mud flying on both sides.. But even our local races are just so nasty and vicious...]

Emmett, since you were here in the Spanish Colony of Texas during the primary election to fill the seat of the retiring Senator Hutchison, I think you will agree that two intelligent and qualified candidates (Cruz and Dewhurst) slung more mud (or something that looks like mud) at each other than you and I can remember. I briefly considered not voting for either of them. I can be an old sorehead sometimes but I appreciate civility, and for that reason I have my wife read stuff I write (well, most of it). She is quick to let me know when my language gets too salty or if it appears to be an intentional effort to PO somebody.

I appreciate Bill's efforts to maintain civility.

Jim