What do you consider yourself?

[HelpinUtah]

Which one of the following do you consider yourself to be?

I personally am a conservative and vote based on who I think is best for the office.  I am a registered Republican so I could vote in the primaries, but I tend to believe I am more of an independent.

I don't want this to become a bash of each other - just truly interested in where people stand.

[jollyman069]

I am Republican/Conservative.......pro life, strong defense,

[HelpinUtah]

I am also pro life and believe in strong defense.  That part is definitely way conservative!  

[teko]

I am an Independent.  I do not believe in being a follower of a party. It irks me when people vote party instead of being a free thinker. I look at and listen to everyone, and then based on the way I feel/believe, vote for that person. One of the reasons is all the hullabaloo between Dem's and republicans. They make my point perfectly. lol

[HelpinUtah]

I believe the parties have lost their way on so many levels.  It's really sad that they are so into winning that they forget what/who they are representing.  

[teko]

Amen!

[Melissa0116]

I am registered Republican but I do not vote on what the party wants because Republican and conservative are definitely two different thing.  I vote according to who I think is going to run this country for us not for themselves.  Unfortunately, politicians on both side are always about themselves.  

So, I am prolife, believe in small Government interaction, less spending, less taxes and that the people in this country have the right to speak up since we are to be heard not dismissed.  

[margypops]

Was a registered Democrat always,I feel very concerned for this country,   I think this Government and the President are very left wing liberal, I have now registered as an Independant keeping my mind open regarding becoming Republican, I was pro choice now am Pro Life ..I believe in strong defense , and agree with the right to bear arms.

[dominosarah]

Independant.........each party has good points but i just wont commit to one or the other so i stay on the fence......You have to earn your vote with me not that it really matters!!!!

[Melissa0116]

Oh yeah, I did forget to say that I too believe in strong defense and right to bear arms as well.  Thanks Margy.

Of course, you must remember that I live in Pennsylvania!  So, I cling to my guns and religion!!!!!! LOL

[margypops]

Well I am pretty peeved with California so move over Melissa, anyway Pennsylvania is further away from Kim Ping Fungs Missiles,we are a sitting duck after Hawaii  gotta go, ,  I better get packed.

[lonewolf07]

I'm a raving, fanatical socialist - almost a communist and I'm Canadian - eh?

[joycekatherine]

I don't blindly follow any party, I vote for the best person for the job...in my humble opinion...

[PlateletGal]

I am an Independent, but the more I read some of these comments from the Republicans... the more I'm leaning towards Democrat. So I was proud to mark "Democrat".

[trekrgirl]

I used to vote Republican, but I am now an Independent, I beleive in the right person for the right job.  Not iton the equality of all the moey that is the main focus of the government right now but hey time will tell.  God Bless America, pro guns, pro choice,  less government, the freedom to make up my own mind what a great thing...

[ILADVOCATE]

Generally I vote as a democrat though there has been one exception. Where I live there is so much corruption within the local democratic party that its hard to know what to do at certain points though. I certainly believe that America should have more than two viable political parties to allow people more freedom of choice as I tend to agree with a fair percentage of what the democratic party stands for but there are clear exceptions. If there were ever a viable third party candidate that had a chance of winning any election I might vote for them but as I haven't seen that happen I feel I'm throwing my vote away but yet in doing this I guess I am contributing to this effect. Complex.

[HelpinUtah]

I agree - FREEDOM to make up our own minds!  How awesome!  I pray we never lose it!  I used to vote Republican if I didn't know the candidates because they were conservative but in the past 8 or so years I have made myself research each candidate thoroughly before voting.  In fact, in Utah, I want Senator Hatch and Senator Bennett gone - they have allowed all that power to go to their heads!  I'm conservative, but I actually like Jim Matheson better and would like to see him stay and he's a democrat and liberal.  I base my decisions based on the person, not the party!  It's true that there are some issues that will typically cause me to vote Republican - but there are many liberals who have similar views to me too.  We are Amercians first!  :)

[HelpinUtah]

I agree with you that sometimes we feel like we might be throwing our votes away.  Do you know how many people tell me that in every single election.  If just once we all decided to vote how we feel and not worry about wasting that vote perhaps we would get the better person in office.  I think there are awesome candidates out there who are not the mainstream, i.e. Republican or Democrat.  Obviously, the two-party system does not work so well.  I do agree that we need a balance in Washington to keep those checks and balances in place - but unfortunately, so many of our politicians are career politicians and have forgotten who they work for!  If they could remember that just once!  You are right, what a complex issue!

[redheadaussie]

In Australia we have a different yet similar system..but put it this way...I HATE politics! So I usually vote Greens....or Independents...they are the ones who care about the environment and not spending money on nuclear weapons!

[flmagi]

I am a registered Democrat, but really consider myself independent. I really wish there were no party affiliations, so more people would have to really look into the issues.
I am pro gun control, pro choice, firmly believe in separation of church and state, hate war on false pretenses, and believe our taxes should help those who really need a hand up, so no doubt I tend to lean democrat. lol

[MJIthewriter]

Independent, I'll vote for either depending on what things I agree or disagree with. I am concerned about the environment, pollution, health care, and a number of things.  I am bothered by how party lines have to have set things, like Democrat = pro choice and Republican = pro life.  I'f I had my way I'd vote for people who support the environment and are pro life and also support a good, affordable health care plan.

[PlateletGal]

I'm a very proud American (especially after watching Obama's speech to the Muslim world... he rocked !)

[teko]

I too was impressed with the speech.

[margypops]

Will his next big speech be to the Christians of the World ..then the jews, ?

[PlateletGal]

Well since we aren't at war with the Christians or Jews....  I don't think so. I mean his speech was not only for Muslims, but everyone. He was very candid and addressed the heart of the matter and something that most people refuse to discuss, except in their e-mails, some of them hateful.... RELIGION.