I can't really criticize you for that. I'd love to see a viable third option (at least a Perot-in terms of support, not my guy-in the early days, a chance). I hope you can produce one. But without that option, a protest vote, or a write in, may be an act of conscience (that's what primaries are for), but it helps elect Governor rod.
http://ericzorn.com/rhubarb/concealedcarry
I have to say Thomas, you are sadly correct that Republicans chose liberal candidates to run in November. I am a Republican Precinct Committeeman and it galls me to admit that you're right about Republicans in Illinois. They picked machine Republicans (Jim Ryan and Jim Durkin) to run in November and that means they picked RINO'S. (Republicans In Name Only.)
I am distressed that Senator Pat O'Malley did not win the primary, as his victory would have given the voters a real choice. As it is, Blagojevich and Ryan are two sides of the same leftist coin and I don't see myself going door to door getting the vote out for Ryan. As things stand today, Blagojevich is our next governor and gun owners stand ready to be punished. We see the handwriting on the wall. The only question in our minds is "will Blagojevich go too far and push gun owners into 'civil rights' mode to defy his laws?"
While I would like to see a Republican defeat Dick Durbin it's clear Jim Durkin is not the man to do that. Durkin has been my state representative for years and he's a staunch foe of gun rights. A real "Soccer Moms Rule" kind of guy.
The only joy I see in November is that it will be fun to watch Durbin stomp Durkin decidedly on Election Day. The only difference between Durbin and Durkin is the letter "K" and the voters will soon know that. I can't say it makes one whit of difference to me who wins as both have never learned to read…the Second Amendment.
And Thomas, it get better! As a bloc, gun owners are a powerful voting force. But this year we are not a bloc. Some are going "GOP party first" and will hold their collective noses and vote for Ryan. A whole bunch of otherwise "Ryan voters" plan to jump ship and vote for Libertarian Cal Skinner.
Here is the kicker, a rather significant group is voting for Blagojevich both to punish the Republican party and to finally settle the issue of gun rights once and for all in Illinois. Can you spell "Showdown?"
If I were an Illinois politician in this election season I think I would write off the gun- rights voters and concentrate on other issues. Gun owners were routed on March 19th and are no longer players in this election unless some unifying entity emerges.