Caught Between Republicans and Democrats

By Jim on July 21st, 2010

It’s been ages since I blogged here on FNH, but something is drawing me back to it today. I have some thoughts to share about New Hampshire politics, specifically how I feel caught between the Republicans and the Democrats.

I lean to the libertarian right in my politics, so I’ve been dismayed to watch the Democrats jack up spending and expand government here in NH since they took over. However, they were right to push for marriage equality. That was one of the good things they’ve done here.

Which leads me to the Republicans. They’re better on guns and small government, but some of them are still very awful on marriage equality and other gay issues. I was disgusted to find out that Kelly Ayotte supports DOMA and, I believe, favors repeal of the gay marriage law (not that it matters much if she’s in the US Senate but still…). Ugh.

And she’s not the only Republican that feels that way. Far too many of them are stuck in the past and still haven’t dumped the stupid social conservative baggage. On the other hand, the Democrats are very bad on 2nd amendment issues and I feel that I cannot vote for a Democrat for the US Senate, given how close the court’s recent 2A rulings have been.

It’s quite the pickle to be in politically. I had thought to vote more for the candidate than the party, but if the Democrats maintain control of New Hamphshire, life here will never be the same. They’ve already jacked up taxes through the roof (no income or sales tax…yet) and their nanny state tendencies have been on full display since they took over four years ago.They really must be put back in the minority soon or this state’s quality of life will be destroyed.

Frankly, this is what makes me disgusted with politics. In order to protect the 2A at the national level, I will probably have to vote for a Republican (if a Dem gets in, they will no doubt vote for whoever Obama nominates) even if the Republican is unacceptable on DOMA and marriage equality.

Then again, maybe I’ll withhold my vote from the Republicans that support DOMA and won’t support marriage equality. I don’t think I’ll vote for a Democrat (ugh) but I may simply skip voting in the races where candidates are bad on 2A and bad on marriage equality. I hate to have to do that but maybe that’s the only logical thing to do. We’ll see, I’ll ponder it between now and November.

I guess it just gets down to priorities. Which issues will be the most important to you in November?