[Clara Lou]

If a Republican knows he has your vote no matter what because of the R after his name, why would he care what you think?
It is a conundrum, isn't it? But what's the solution? It isn't voting for a Dem or a libertarian/independent [except in very special circumstances]. The solution isn't not voting, either. What is it, then?

[P-40]

But what's the solution?

If a politician can be sure that his re-election is not a certainty, he will have to make an effort to listen to the voters. That is one reason I am so adamantly opposed to straight-ticket voting options being available in the voting booth. If you can't be bothered to select each candidate based on who they are and what they are about, you should stay home on election day.

If I had my way, there would be no party affiliation after each candidates name on the ballot and pushing the straight-ticket button would fire the tasers and release the hounds.

[brytlea]

Beats the heck out of me.
susie

[goldfinch]

It is a conundrum, isn't it? But what's the solution? It isn't voting for a Dem or a libertarian/independent [except in very special circumstances]. The solution isn't not voting, either. What is it, then?

The solution is persuading the American public to agree with you on whatever issue is closest to your heart. Right now, the American public is very evenly divided between liberals and conservatives. So, frustrating as it may be, compromises will be made on most important issues. In politics, half a loaf is better than none.

Liberals were able to maintain power from the 30s to the 90s by maintaining the discipline to hold their nose and vote for the candidate that would keep them in the majority...a lesson conservatives would do well to learn.

[MassachusettsGOP]

Term Limits and Challenging the Establishment in the Primaries.