Since I am a registered Independent, your argument fails.

Ms. Fischer is an ideologue, she will not represent all Nebraskans, only her ideology and those who believe as she does. Mr. Kerrey on the other hand is even worse, he is in it for himself, a self-serving politician.

So why do it? Republican Senators are afraid of angering their "TEA Party" constituents, who have and will run a primary campaign challenge even against the most conservative Republican if they dare compromise with the Democrats, or President Obama. Members of Congress (and their families) enjoy the best government run healthcare plan our tax dollars can buy, and their pension plan is the envy of the private sector, and all the special perks they enjoy from lobbyist. So there is a real self-interest financial reason for these Republican Senators to be obstructionist. They are more concerned with their ability to be re-elected, then doing the right thing, or what is in the best interest of the American people.

If you look at the records since the 1960's the abuse of the filibuster, by both parties, has increased considerably year over year, with a few exceptions. This is partisan gridlock, and does nothing but hurt us, the people of this country. Every time a Senator filibusters a bill, they are putting their political ideology and self-interest before the American people, this dishonors the office they hold.

Politicians should have a political philosophy not an ideology; because a philosophy is open to debate, discussion, criticism, new information (such as logical provable facts), and is willing to compromise for the betterment of everyone. An ideology on the other hand is an unwavering position, that neither seeks debate, questions, new information, nor engages in compromise, and despises criticism (even from within it own membership). It will protect itself, at the detriment of everything else, and serves only it's own interest.

The Republican politicians in Washington have become wholly ideological, and have only one interest; preserving and obtaining more political power, it benefits them immensely. However, the Democratic party is not without its share of ideologues either, it does have them, but they do not exert the same amount of control in the party, nor do they fear their constituents in the same manner as the Republicans fear theirs.

The fault really does lie with us, the American people, after all we vote these people into office. Too many Americans have become as polarized as the extremist in their respective parties. Simple respect of the Office of the Presidency has become uncommon anymore, most people have nothing but contempt for our government, yet we all benefit immensely from it everyday. As long as we continue to hold them in such low regard, they will continue to act as such. Political service should be an honor, as it is about serving the people, the public good, not a party or an ideology, and as such should be regarded as the highest privilege anyone could possibly earn, it should be respected and admired. But that will not happen if we keep electing political ideologues, rather than political philosophers.

Electing Deb Fischer or Bob Kerrey will not change a thing in Washington, they are both political ideologues, and are concerned only with their respective party ideology or their own self-interest.

And, I agree, they stink. Let's hope both Deb and Bob raise above this kind of sliminess....