I was looking for some specific names. May be a little early.
"If the choice is between Bernie Sanders and Lincoln Chaffee, ask yourself who you would want to win if your vote was THE deciding vote. A socialist...or a RINO?"
I understand this works for you. It will no longer work for me. I picked a reductio ad absurdum example to illustrate the point--there seems to be hardly a scintilla of philosophical difference between the two; they often vote the same way on big issues.
"I would much rather vote for Zell Miller than Susie Collins."
Something we agree on.
"If my options for governor were Angelides or Schwarzenegger, I would pick the one who best matched my values. If my "no vote" vote meant Angelides would win, I would draw a big bold "X" in the Schwarzenegger box."
This is where we part ways. Angelides is practically a communist while Arnold is a borrow & spend social liberal (a Rat in RINO clothes)--neither one comes within a mile of matching my values. Your approach is comfortable for you. It will no longer work for me. No more pulling that "least worse" lever. I see my approach as the only way to get my message across--no more "least worse" RINO choices. If this persists, I will continue to "no vote" that particular office. I am now donating money solely and directly to verified conservative candidates across the country--all donations to the Big Tent GOP/RNC, NRCC, NRSC, and CAGOP, have been stopped. Many of my friends and associates are now doing the same thing.
Well, that and...I don't even know where you live.
"No more pulling that "least worse" lever."
You really think a RINO is as bad as a Socialist?
"I am now donating money solely and directly to verified conservative candidates across the country"
I think that is an outstanding idea. That is what I've been doing too. I used to donate to the RNC regularly. But that was a long time ago. Now I donate to candidates by name. That makes a real statement. But on election day, I always vote for somebody. The choices may not be my first choices, but there is always a difference. And one more Republican in Congress helps ensure all Republicans retain control of Congress.