The election on November 4 will be historic no matter who wins for it will either represent the first time an African American has been elected to the nation's highest office or a woman has been elected to the nation's second highest office. As we all have been told ad naseum, Florida is a swing state and this time around our votes should count.

If you want to vote by absentee ballot, the deadline for requesting the ballot is October 29. You can request it at www.pbcelections.org or by calling 561 656-6200. The absentee ballot must be returned to the Supervisor of Elections by 5:00 on Election Day.

Early voting starts Monday October 20 and continues every day, including Saturday and Sunday, through November 2. You can cast your vote at any of the Palm Beach County locations regardless of where you live. Locations nearby include Boca Raton City Hall, Southwest County Regional Library and Hagen Ranch Road Library. You will need a current and valid picture signature identification to vote. Hours to vote are 10- 6 weekdays and 10-2 weekends.

If you wait until November 4th Election Day to vote, be prepared for long lines. The ballot is lengthy and contains a variety of amendments in addition to the presidential, state and congressional elections. This long ballot combined with a big turnout could lead to delays. You will need your picture identification to vote and the polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Many attorneys are serving as poll watchers and if you have any problems contact them immediately.

Lastly, be an informed voter. Palm Beach County just distributed a sample ballot by mail to all registered voters. Study the ballot and even mark it up and bring it to the polling place with you. Attend one of the numerous candidate forms that are taking place around town. Read the papers and check out the endorsements and formulate your own opinions. With respect to voting, knowledge really is power.

This election represents everyone's chance to be part of the making of history. Make your voice heard in this groundbreaking election by voting.

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What is it about male politicians that make them think they can have an affair and no one will notice? Maybe the issue of having an affair is not only endemic to politicians; maybe it has to do more with men and money and power. Irregardless, once a man puts himself in the political spotlight, he becomes a public figure subject to public scrutiny and having an affair is dishonest, immoral and plain stupid.

The news about John Edwards' liaison was disheartening and audacious. How dare he think that he could run for President and that his affair would remain a secret? Even leaving aside the issues of his wife's illness and the destruction of his family, you really have to wonder what the man was thinking.

The recent revelations about Congressman Tim Mahoney, who represents parts of Palm Beach County, are also shocking. Here is a man who won his seat by virtue of his predecessor's illicit activities with underage males. Did he not learn any lessons from Mark Foley?

The fact that he hired the woman he was having an affair with compounds the problem tenfold. The FBI is currently investigating the matter to see if the employment relationship and subsequent discharge were legal. Sadly this situation has shades of Wayne Hayes. Remember the congressional aide who could not type or even answer the phone? Not to say that Ms. Allen is unqualified, but hiring someone you are sleeping with is just bad office policy.

Twenty years ago, when rumors began circulating about his extramarital relations, Gary Hart challenged the media to follow him around. He said they would be bored. Needless to say, they were not. His presidential aspirations were dashed by his activities on a boat appropriately named Monkey Business.

Since that time, the list of cheating Congressman has grown exponentially. David Vitter, Larry Craig, Bob Livingston and even Newt Gringich are just a few of the members of the infamous club.

While people have a right to their private lives, if they choose to become public figures who are passing legislation that affects everyone's privacy rights, the public has a right to know about their morals and values.

It is outrageous that so many elected representatives continue to have extra-marital affairs. Congressmen consider yourselves warned. The angry women are watching and will not condone your foolish behavior.

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On the very first day that we moved to Boca in 1989, a new neighbor let us in on the secret of where to shop in Boca. Desperately hunger and cranky after directing movers and unpacking boxes, our neighbor directed us to King's Italian Market to pick up our first food supplies.

Over the years King's became our neighborhood mom and pop store. Their bakery was always a favorite for special occasion cakes, with the Brown Derby number one on our family list. Their fresh produce was delicious and often local and their seafood department was unparallel. As a busy working family, we especially enjoyed the prepared dinners. They were hearty, nutritious and reasonably priced.

In August of 2007, because of roof problems in their location on Military Trail, King's was forced to close. Rumors swirled that it would reopen on Powerline Road in the Ross Dress for Less shopping center. Over one year elapsed and other new stores opened in the shopping center, filling any vacant spaces and dashing hopes that King's would reopen.

Now in October, 2008, there are rumors that King's is opening in Boca Center in the space left vacant by Bombay Kids. It would be a great location for King's and could bring more foot traffic to Boca Center during the daytime. Hopefully this time the rumors are true and we can all continue to enjoy King's Italian Market.

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October is national breast cancer awareness month and there are lots of local programs aimed at raising awareness and funding for breast cancer research.

Saks Fifth Avenue has its annual Key to the Cure sales event and Bloomingdales has the Little Pink Card. Lots of other retailers offer a charitable contribution to breast cancer funding in return for purchases of certain items.

The American Cancer Society is hosting the inaugural Stride in Style luncheon on October 2 and a 3.1 mile Making Strides Breast Cancer Walk on October 18th at Mizner Park. The 5th annual Go Pink Luncheon sponsored by Boca Raton Community Hospital will take place on Monday, October 20th at Boca West Country Club. Geralyn Lucas is making a repeat performance as the guest speaker and is sure to inspire the crowd. Contact the sponsoring organizations for reservations to these events.

Breast cancer strikes one in eight women. Chances are that someone you know will develop breast cancer. October is a great time to take advantage of these events and focus your efforts on helping find a cure for breast cancer.

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