Steve Beren, 7th District Congressional Candidate, released a statement regarding the Russian invasion of Georgia that is worth a read:

"The Russian invasion of Georgia reminds us that we are living in a dangerous world, challenged by threats not only from Islamic fascism, but by an authoritarian dictatorship in Russia that seeks restoration of empire and domination over its neighbors.

Georgia is our democratic ally; it seeks NATO membership; and it has the third largest contingent of troops in Iraq (after the U.S. and Britain).  We must never forget that defense of our own liberty is intertwined with the fate of liberty elsewhere in the world.  

The Russian invasion of Georgia reminds us that national security is a key issue facing the American people.  We can't afford a congress that is weak on national security; we need both a congress and a commander-in-chief with the proper foreign policy experience, judgment, and commitment to our military. 

The Democratic Party took control of congress following the 2006 elections, but we can't afford a second Nancy Pelosi term!  Given the dangers we face, we can't let our foreign policy be determined by Jim McDermott, Barack Obama, and Nancy Pelosi.

I agree with Louisiana governor Bobby Jindal, who this morning told ABC news that the Russian invasion of Georgia "is another example during these uncertain times, where we need experienced leadership.  We need somebody like Senator McCain who will take a stronger view, a more experienced view, when it comes to international security and protecting America's interests."

Here in Seattle, we're used to extreme statements by Jim McDermott that often take the wrong side in international conflicts.  But we now hear such comments coming from the Obama campaign.  Both the Russian government and the Obama campaign have attacked McCain staffer Randy Scheunemann.  Obama spokesman Hari Sevugan told the New York Times that Scheunemann "lobbied for and has a vested in interest in the Republic of Georgia, and McCain has mirrored the position advocated by the [Georgia] government."

The McCain campaign has responded with a strong statement in response.  "Today, many are dead and Georgia is in crisis, yet the Obama campaign has offered nothing more than cheap and petty political attacks that are echoed only by the Kremlin," said McCain aide Tucker Bounds in the statement. "The reaction of the Obama campaign to this crisis, so at odds with our democratic allies and yet so bizarrely in sync with Moscow, doesn't merely raise questions about Sen. Obama's judgment -- it answers them."

I've often pointed out that McDermott, Obama, and Pelosi oppose a victory strategy in the war against Islamic fascism.  It is also now clear, in this dangerous world of ours, that in the face of any unexpected international crisis or threat of war, the Democrats offer only weakness.  By all means, this is a year to vote Republican."