I fell in love with Bob's spirit, those cowboy virtues and values of independence, hard (hard!) work, and love of the land. He's a warrior for sure, in the best sense of the word - a fearless man who understands "protect and serve." He's led men in battle and on environmental expeditions on Everest. When we go into the wilderness or the mountains on horses I totally trust his competence, in any circumstance. He's a man of integrity and conscience who's not afraid of spirited debate. I'm sure that in the summer of 2010 Bob's going to want Democrats and Independents and unhappy, worried, angry people to bring their concerns to him. He's not afraid. And he'll listen. Bob's wife Phyllis *Learn more about Phyllis and see them both enjoying life at www.fittoboom.msnbc.msn.com Episode #1. I have known Bob McConnell since 1977, and supervised his work as a reservist in the Office of the Judge Advocate General of the Army. In all of my contacts with Bob -- as a fellow student, socially, and as a supervisor of his legal work, I have been uniformly impressed. He is bright, personable, dedicated, loyal, and quite innovative in his thinking. In short, he is the person anyone would want working for them and with them in any setting I can imagine. I heartily recommend Bob to you and feel he can lead the Third Congressional District of Colorado in a positive direction. Walter B. Huffman, Major General, The Judge Advocate General of the Army (Retired). I have known Bob McConnell since we were infantry company commanders in Viet Nam in 1971-72. He has always been concerned about America and the highest values it can stand for. I have no doubt that he will work hard for the good for our people and country. Bob shows a rock solid independence in his thinking. He has led men in combat, and on Mount Everest. I know Bob will be above the fickle movement of polls, sound bites, and politics. He will formulate solid, clear, common sense solutions to the problems facing Colorado and our country. Bob is intelligent and secure in who he is. He will argue passionately yet respectfully, listening to all points of view. Tony Witter, Colonel, US Army, (Retired) I have interacted with Bob McConnell extensively over the past two decades. He has broad intellectual interests and reads extensively. He is helpful, interactive, well organized and articulate. He is particularly able at motivating and providing leadership for colleagues. I disagree strongly with his positions, as stated on his web site, regarding health care reform and climate, but I also admire Bob’s integrity, intelligence, and commitment. He clearly has the qualities of leadership and effective advocacy needed to serve his district ably. Bob is an extremely able lawyer. As President of the American Alpine Club from 1994-97, I interacted with him in his professional capacity and depended upon his legal advice. He provided the American Alpine Club sound advice that helped us address personnel issues professionally, sympathetically, and consistent with legal requirements of the Federal and State governments. It is clear that he is well acquainted with the theory and practice of law and is an extremely effective advocate. In addition to being a distinguished lawyer, Bob has a long impressive record of public service to the environment and to organizations attempting to preserve it. For many years, Bob served the American Alpine Club as chair of its Conservation Committee. The initiatives that he undertook as chair of the committee were impressive. He organized groups to remove litter and garbage from heavily used base camp areas in the Himalayas.  He helped train local porters and Sherpas to enhance their environmental awareness and skills. He contacted, encouraged, and provided incentives for American expeditions to remove garbage from high altitude regions not accessible to porters. More than any other individual, he completely changed the ethics of wilderness use by foreign expeditions in the Himalayas. Bob has expanded his influence tremendously by writing a short, but influential book “Gentle Expeditions: A guide to Ethical Mountain Adventure” which is available to the entire American outdoor community at sporting good stores and elsewhere. In this book, he describes modern methods for handling waste and reducing human impact in wilderness areas. This book will almost certainly be translated into European languages other than English and should therefore have significant educational impact in both the United States and Europe. I have read this book and found it to be lucid, concise, well illustrated, and useful. It is a major scholarly contribution to the American wilderness literature. Louis F. Reichardt Professor, University of California at San Francisco Past President, American Alpine Club For the past fifteen years I have had the pleasure to work with Bob McConnell as an outfitter in the Wet mountains, and Sangre De Cristo Wilderness. Bob's leadership, professionalism, and experience in the outdoor industry is second to none. Juggling a demanding schedule between outfitter, lawyer, and father, Bob always finds time to help his community serving such organizations as Search and Rescue, ambulance crew, and American Alpine club. I have experienced a variety of situations with Bob. His dedication, determination, and loyalty to whatever cause he believes in is amazing. One thing is certain, there is no one you would rather have by your side. You can always count on Bob getting the job done, and done right. Kevin Madler, Bob's partner in KB Mountain Adventures Hi.  My name is Elin Rusher and I am a cattle rancher in the Westcliffe area.  Bob has been a neighbor and a friend for the past few years.  He volunteered as a ranch hand putting in many a long hard day to help my family get the work done.  Bob doesn't pretend to be someone he is not....what he says is what he means and he will work and persist to get any job done.  He is a humble man.  For all the time spent working together I never knew of all the amazing accomplishments Bob has under his belt!  I have no doubt that Bob will be an exceptional congressman if elected. Elin Rusher, Westcliffe, Colorado