Republicans shot themselves in the foot by failing to support outspoken U.S. Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in their presidential primaries.

The GOP hasn't had such wildly charasmatic prospects since Gen. Colin Powell (U.S. Army, ret.), who decided not to pursue the 1996 nomination.

With Gov. George Dubya Bush (R-Texas) as their 2000 standardbearer, the Republicans will force independent voters to support the Democratic Party nominee, Vice President Al Gore, as the lesser of two evils.

Sen. McCain's primary campaign hit the critically important political nails on their heads: reforming campaign finance and paying down the national debt.

Unless both issues are resolved, it won't matter who is America's President. The influences of money will continue to be the bane of America's existence. (23 APRIL 2000).