I am 67 years old. I m a registered Republican, a lifelong conservative, and a fully committed Christian.

On Sept. 13, the first day of early voting in Ohio, I went to the Lawrence County courthouse and cast my vote for Sen. Barack Obama.

In my view, the last eight years have been the most reckless and destructive time in our country’s history. I have yet to hear the Republican candidate explain how a McCain administration would be better than, or even different from, the Bush administration.

He has chosen to smear Obama instead, in what has become the most disgraceful and dishonest campaign I’ve ever seen.

On the issues that are most important to me, the economy and health care, Sen. Obama’s plans are far superior to McCain’s. Obama’s obvious decency and intelligence make me feel hopeful about the future.

I see this race as a contest between hope and no hope, change and no change. Americans are optimistic people. I’m betting we’ll choose hope and change.

Clarence Fowler

Ironton