Finally, after what seems like years of presidential campaigning, it's primary time. Finally, on Tues. Feb. 5 th, we the people in Colorado get our say after way too much media coverage of who might win where and why. Until recently, I stopped paying much attention to all the rhetoric, except for the comedic take on the race to the White House which gave me some relief to the real news - you know, the war in Iraq, the crumbling economy, the rest of the world...

So besides the entertainment value, what purpose does such a lengthy election process serve us? Why are we spending so much time, energy, and money on something that in many other countries is decided in only a few months? I was reminded today that it really isn't as much about the issues as about the man or woman behind them who desires to be the supposed leader of the free world.

Thomas Sowell's column in the Mon. Jan. 28th Rocky Mountain News, "Of course McCain's age matters," argues that someone in their 70's does not have the physical stamina to be president of the United States, that the man or woman elected had better be able to handle the rigors of life in the White House. Hmmm, I thought, seems to me that any of them who are still in the race have already proven themselves.

Just look at their schedules this week, many of them starting out Monday night in Washington to watch President Bush give his State of the Union Address. Then it's off to as many of the 24 super Tuesday primary states to get as much good local and national press and attention as humanly possible. Colorado gets the actual candidate Obama himself at a DU rally on Wednesday morning. I might have to change my hair appointment for that - my life is so not like that of a presidential candidate...

But I do remember going to college full-time, working part-time, and taking care of three children and a home all at the same time. It was grueling and only doable because I had a goal, a college degree, the value of which is not necessarily what I learned but that I could do what it takes to learn, even if most of the time it was about things unrelated to the career I had in mind. It also showed my future employers and clients that I could follow instructions, complete tasks, and play by the rules.

And so it is with our presidential candidates. With just a little more than ten months left until the general election, they have already shown the public that they can withstand unforgiving schedules, lack of sleep, irregular diets, and criticism from the media and each other. Under constant pressure, they continue to present themselves as civil, intelligent, and goal-oriented public servants.

For that, I applaud all of them, and I can certainly get myself out of the house for one night next week to support the one I think can lead our country through all the obstacles yet ahead. Won't you join me by attending your precinct caucus on Tues., Feb. 5 th at 6:30pm? It's the first time in my memory that Coloradoans will participate in selecting presidential candidates before the tally is in. I remember casting my vote the last time knowing full well that it didn't really matter.

If you don't know your precinct number or your voter registration status, you can start by going to the Colorado Secretary of State website at http://www.sos.state.co.us/Voter/voterHome.do. With a few clicks, I was assured of my affiliation with a political party and directed to where my precinct caucus will be held. Finally, the 2008 election is exciting. Finally, there is hope that things can and will change, and all because there are Americans who are willing to run what seems like a never-ending race for the White House.