Therefore, with exactly 60 days left until the GOP primary elections, it is important that we examine as many of the issues brought up in the statewide political races this year as we can. After evaluating the constructive criticism I have been recently been receiving for my alleged partisan viewpoints in my previous articles, I have decided to begin a new series of articles focusing on the hottest issues in this yearís elections.

I have entitled the series Commonviews 2002.

Beginning next week, I will present articles detailing some of the most pressing issues in this yearís statewide political races for Governor, Lt. Governor, Attorney General and Secretary of State. I will attempt to remain objective by pointing out factually what the candidates have proposed to make South Carolina better. I will also question certain aspects of a candidatesís stand on the issues to get the reader to honestly think about what they believe. Knowing where the candidates stand on the issues is vital to knowing who to vote for on June 11th.

The topics discussed in the Commonviews 2002 series will vary widely, from taxes to moral issues to education and more! The sky is the limit on the discussion of the real issues in the various campaigns.

However, YOUR INPUT IS NEEDED for the subjects talked about in the Commonviews 2002 series! If there is a specific issue or platform in this campaign that you would like to have discussed, then >e-mail me and I will consider your request. I encourage all of the campaigns to send me their suggestions about topics to discuss and where their particular candidate stands on the specific issue. This will ensure the complete accuracy of the articles being written.

An open debate about the most important issues will not only help the people of South Carolina know who to vote for in the upcoming elections, but it will also help the candidates who are running evaluate why they believe the way they do on the issues. If you disagree with a particular stand taken on an issue, then feel free to comment on your objections. If you agree with a candidateís position, then share why you think it is a good one.

Free and open discussion will make the Commonviews 2002 series an educational and enlightening experience for everyone. I look forward to hearing from you about topics. However, make sure they are limited to the ones being discussed in THIS campaign and not just ones you want to get on your soapbox about. Thank you!!!