By ROBIN SMITH

Finally. After months of politicking, campaign e-mails and postal mail, voters of Tennessee get to participate in determining the candidate who will represent their respective party in the election for president of the United States.

Many folks chose to vote early, but most have watched the earlier primaries and candidate activity in order to make the decision on Tuesday, Feb. 5. I liken this national primary day to the first turn in a major footrace with the field of runners separating out and gaining their stride.

Republicans have seen a very crowded field of 10 candidates narrow with the debate revolving around issues and the one who best represents those issues. In contrast, the Democratic debates are dividing their base along gender and race lines.

The issues that face the United States are those that mandate more than a marketing mirage and a message that makes you feel “positive.” The global war on terror will result in Americans and our allies who love liberty and freedom as victors or as victims. Only the Republican candidates have discussed serious and thoughtful strategies in fighting this war with victory as the outcome, vs. the Democratic determination to remove troops regardless of the outcome and cut funding while our men and women are fighting the terrorists on our behalf. Remember, there has not been another attack on America since we took the fight to the terrorists’ backyard.

Taxes make for obese government

The recent instability in the financial markets as a result of the subprime home mortgage situation requires something other than an increase in government spending. Republicans are urging tax cuts being made permanent that increase the take-home pay of hard-working taxpayers, rather than those tax cuts expiring and more money going to fund an obese government.

Republicans running for president are engaged in discussions about policy that will create jobs, reduce the regulation on small businesses and make a positive impact on our economy in the short and long-term view.

In contrast, Democrats are guaranteeing a tax increase, among other big government spending. By refusing to make permanent tax cuts, a single mother of two children making $40,000 will have her tax burden increase by $1,800 annually. I don’t think she’ll consider herself among the population that Democrats refer to as “taxing the rich” but, indeed, she is their target.

Those coming to America in pursuit of prosperity and freedom will achieve the highest level of success when they are here legally, as prescribed by our laws. Republicans want the burden on our government-funded services due to illegal immigration like education and health care to be reduced.

Voters want their government to solve problems that can’t be solved by individuals. For citizens who don’t want their paycheck to continue to shrink while funding services for illegal immigrants and who don’t want to live under an increasing threat of attacks here due to weakness in our national security, selecting a Republican ballot in the primary will reflect your Tennessee values.