But, in the 20 months since that announcement, the Democrat has proven himself to be steady, calm and focused, displaying tremendous intellect. And, unlike John McCain, whose polarizing vice-presidential pick -- a choice that initially brought a breath of fresh air into the campaign -- has led many, even in his own party, to question the Republican's judgment, Obama's vice presidential selection has shown that he recognizes the need for a steady, experienced hand, respected by colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

McCain touts the times that he has bucked his party, yet on many social issues, his stances are pure GOP and the antithesis of the majority of Jewish voters' beliefs.

The next president undoubtedly will make at least one Supreme Court nomination. A McCain conservative court would mean setbacks in, among other things, women's and minority rights, church-state separation and environmental protections.

On Israel, there is no doubt that McCain is a stalwart supporter, but Obama, too, is a strong friend. Need proof? Look at his closest Israel advisers, people like Dennis Ross, Robert Wexler and Daniel Kurtzer, who wouldn't work so hard as his surrogates if they didn't believe his concern for and commitment to the Jewish state were genuine and unshakable. And, despite the Republican Jewish Coalition's misleading screeds to the contrary, both candidates have similar views on the status of Jerusalem.

In a world that has lost respect for the United States in the past eight years, Obama as president has the best chance of gaining renewed trust and respect for our nation.

WJW gives its nod to Barack Obama for president.

In Virginia's Senate race, Democrat Mark Warner, having garnered high marks from the Jewish community and elsewhere as the commonwealth's governor, is our pick. In local congressional races, we favor the re-election of Reps. Chris Van Hollen (D-Md.), Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) and Frank Wolf (R-Va.). Although we don't agree with the latter on some of his stances on social issues, he has proven himself accessible to the Jewish community, and we appreciate his excellent work in the human rights arena.

In Virginia's 11th District, our nod goes to Jerry Connolly, who, as Fairfax County supervisor, has enjoyed close ties with Northern Virginia's Jewish community.

Two other congressional races, however, are troubling. In Maryland's 4th District, Rep. Donna Edwards, who won a special election after Al Wynn quit his post, has continued to rebuff meetings with her Jewish community constituents -- although she has been endorsed by J Street. Her opponent, Peter James, opposes foreign aid, including to Israel, and believes it's up to individual countries, including Iran, to decide if they have nuclear weapons. He also favors abolishing the Federal Reserve and IRS.

In Virginia's 8th District, we're still waiting for Republicans to come up with a strong, but moderate candidate. Incumbent Democrat Jim Moran has time and again been unfairly critical of Israel, sometimes edging toward anti-Semitism. His opponent, Mark Ellmore, however, supports Jews for Jesus, something that we cannot abide.

WJW cannot endorse in either of those races.

Marylanders also will be voting on a slots amendment. The impulse to raise money for the state's education coffers is an understandable one, although it is questionable how much can be raised for that purpose. Judaism, however, teaches us not to prey on the vulnerable, and it is those least able to afford it who will be most tempted by slots. Gambling -- in effect, a regressive tax -- is not the way to go.