From johnsscott2 on January 21, 2008 at 11:08 am.  

I suspect that I am like a lot of Fredheads. My first vote was for Ronald Reagan, and I have voted consistently for conservative Republicans since that time.

I look for a candidate that is both socially and economically conservative; both types of conservativism are important to me.

The problem at this juncture with candidates like Hunter or Thompson either out of the race or not viable - is that we are being put in a position where we must now make a choice between social and economic conservativism. Do we choose a Huckabee for his stances on abortion and gay marriage, knowing that on all other issues he might as well be a democrat? Do we choose a Romney who falls correctly on most traditional conservative issues (though he comes down very wrong on healthcare solutions), but cannot be trusted to take a consistent stand on issues like abortion or gay marriage?

For me, neither McCain and Guiliani fit either bill, so I dismiss both of them completely.

I do not --wish-- to vote for someone with irresponsible economic policies and ideas but I !!-cannot-!! in good conscience vote for someone that has argued for choice and gay rights. Its a terrible choice to have to make, and the GOP has failed voters for not fielding and supporting a candidate that eliminates the need for such a choice. I fear that it will be the undoing of the Republican Party.