I am an evangelical. Whew, I've said it, and I'll admit it -- as unpopular as it is these day (especially in this particular web location). Do I agree with James Dobson? Sometimes yes, somtimes no. Sometimes his approach disturbs me as much as my being an evangelical probably disturbs some of you. But, I will always look at him as someone who as someone who has spoken his principles and sticks by them. He can take any heat thrown at him. That's admirable. As a Christian would I take a different tone in expressing my viewpoint? Almost certainly.

And before we get too worked up about the 'reasonableness' of Dobson saying he'd suggest a third party candidate, or drawing lines in the sand, or not endorsing Guiliani, let's also remember one Ralph Nader. Unreasonable? Narrow minded? Party crasher?

As to all these evangelicals crossing the line in letting religion enter the public sphere, and the fear of too much religion in the debate, remember that we've had a few leaders in our history who've led our nation through the strength of their personal faith. The engraved speeches on the ways of the Lincoln Memorial attest to that. Or try Jefferson, Washington, or Roosevelt.

In this election, I'm not in favor of telling candidates to plug it when it comes to talking about their faith. Instead, faith in the lives of candidates can be important, and as our nation's history has shown, a valuable part of leadership. To me I go back to the the prophet Micah. "He has shown you, what is good and what the Lord requires of you, but to do justice, to love mercy, and walk humbly with your God". That's my filter for who I will vote for, be it a Republican or Democrat. Jury's still out on that for me.