this of course raises the perpetual question.

does voting third party
under circumstances like what we have right now
actually help the GOP keep their seats
by splitting up the protest votes against them,
or can we buy the idea
that so long as everyone votes for -anyone-
who isn't the GOP,
then they can't get their jobs back
even if that means someone else wins
with a very small plurality of the vote?

jhimm - I can't answer that one, unfortunately. Did Nader hurt Gore's chances? Was Perot really a threat and that's part of why he suddenly stepped down? Do I make the leap and just vote for who I think the right candidate is, even if they're a third party and then how will that affect the final outcome?

*sigh*

The problem with the logic is that there is a core group of Religious Fundamentalists that will always vote for the GOP, because the GOP is become the political arm of their church.

Given that, it is impractical to think that everyone will vote for someone who is not GOP.

Practially speaking, here in Boston, CF's concern is misplaced. There is no way that Kenndy or Kerry (Whichever is up for re-election) will lose. Further, Patrick is a shoe-in for governor. So that leaves CF's congressman and I do not know who that is, but I doubt that it is a contested race. As a result, CF can vote for a 3rd party candidate to send a message content in the knowledge that the Dems will win all the relevent elections in MA.

The real question is where does CF stand on question 1?

I'm in the 'yes on 1' camp.

mess - Hehe. I'm a yes on 1 person also. Absolutely. I want easier access to beer and wine. Especially within walking distance.

My rep is not up for re-election. If he was, I'd vote for him no matter what. I think he's awesome. There was one issue I didn't agree with him on, but I decided it wasn't important enough cause of all the other stuff he does. He's a Democrat, btw.

I'm not sure I like Deval, but your'e right, he's unstoppable. And Kennedy (he's the senator up for re-election) is unstoppable. However, I still wonder about messing with numbers and 3rd parties. Maybe I should vote 3rd party just to show support of 3rd party stuff. Hmm. Crap. This means I should do more research.

I think that your rep is up for re-election since the entire house is up every 2 years. He may be running uncontested, but I think he is up.

You could vote for the 'fat lesbian'

mess - yeah, i was mistaken big time. duh. he's unopposed. which is fine by me.

I could vote for the 'fat lesbian'. Maybe I'll vote total fringe. Nah, I can't in good conscience vote for people i haven't done any sort of research on. And if they believe in some sort of conspiracy, that's a complete turnoff.

Only one thing to add:

Vote or you'll deserve Watt you get.

If you remember Ronnie, you'll understand the reference.