My Father’s sage advice to me:
NEVER vote for a democrat, and FGS, NEVER marry one.
Generally I would agree. However, when I met and married Mrs 40 she was a dem, a member of the Sierra Club, a member of the teachers' union, and was very active in local liberal/democrat politics. Since marrying me I have opened her eyes. She has quit the Sierra Club, become a Life Member of the NRA, registered as a Republican until, like me, she registered as an Independent in 2007, retired from teaching and is very active in local politics that promote conservative causes i.e, San Diego Tea Party. So your dad's advice may be sound but it has exceptions. Of course, FR had it's affect as I share much information I find here with her. :-)