[slickoe]

Let's be honest, most politicians (of both parties) are parasitical self-serving whores whose first priority is serving the interests of the special interests and corporate lobbyists who fill their campaign coffers. From time to time, however, a real man comes forward in the old fashioned tradition of selfless public service (the late Sen. Paul Simon comes to mind). Which three current serving members of congress or the Senate do you think are exceptions to the rule?

I like--

Sen. John McCain (R-AZ)- He doesn't attempt to cash in on his wartime experiences politically, he takes strong, principled stands, and articulates himself clearly and bluntly. Frankly, while not a democrat, obviously, he in many ways is out of step with the GOP in its current state. He should split and form his own party.

Sen. Russ Feingold (D-WI)- I am biased because he is my senator, but I like him because he is an outspoken liberal, pulls no punches, and had the cojones to risk potential career suicide during wartime and vote against the current fiasco in Iraq.

Sen. Patrick Leahy (D-VT) I have admired Pat Leahy (and Chris Dodd from Connecticut) since the mid '80's when they did all they could to stop the US from sending our taxes to fund the contra terrorists. It was obvious that they knew exactly what the contras were doing down there (thanks to the Maryknoll nuns that House Speaker Jim Wright brought up to testify about contra atrocities) and that it bothered them immensely morally.