Over the past several weeks, I’ve outlined the main criteria for why I believe Sen. John McCain is the best choice as our next president. I’ve presented various reasons: his background and experience, his economic policy, his accuracy concerning the troop surge in Iraq, and his continual devotion to put the United States above his personal and political interests.

McCain has the foreign policy record and necessary experience to lead our nation through difficult struggles. Now is not the time to risk America’s future on the shoulders of an inexperienced leader. McCain has sacrificed his personal political success in order to bring victory to Iraq. Since the change of strategy McCain promoted, endorsed and supported, violence has decreased over 80 percent in the last two years. McCain will bring our troops home with honor and dignity instead of prematurely withdrawing soldiers for the sake of political expediency when victory is within grasp. McCain not only has a vision for military success, he has the experience and success to continue as our next president.

McCain also has a strong record valuing human life, regardless of developmental stage. He does not support Roe v. Wade, he voted for a partial birth abortion ban, for parental notification for a minor to have an abortion and he opposes federal funding for abortion. This is a clear contrast from Sen. Barack Obama, who co-sponsored the Freedom of Choice Act which would codify Roe v. Wade, voted for partial-birth abortion as an Illinois state senator, and voted four times against a bill that would have given newborn babies rights to live after a botched abortion. The choice is clear: McCain believes in life, protects life, and will continue to support life as president.

McCain will reform Washington. As a senator, he has reached across the party aisle. He has passed significant reform, including campaign finance reform. He worked together with Republicans and Democrats to avoid a partisan-based filibuster over judges, which would have been detrimental to the justice system. He will continue to work with Republicans, Independents, and Democrats to solve the problems of Washington. As president, he will battle wasteful government spending by vetoing billions of dollars in pet projects. McCain has a consistent, proven record of combating Washington corruption, regardless of party, and will continue to fight for the United States regardless of political cost.

A tangible example of McCain’s devotion to his country is when he committed to public campaign financing, limiting the amount he spent on the presidential race. Obama agreed to public financing and later changed his mind because of the large amounts of money he could raise from his wealthy donors by rejecting public financing. As president, McCain will continue to serve his country with honor and dignity, regardless of the cost, as he has throughout his life.

“To sacrifice for a cause greater than yourself, and to sacrifice your life to the eminence of that cause, is the noblest activity of all,” said McCain. Throughout his life as a soldier and as a senator, John McCain has devoted himself to serving his country. As president, McCain will continue that great fight for a better America.