Now What?

Well, the Iowa primary is now a month past. Let's take a moment to review and reflect. I had no local races in the primary so the one that had my real attention was the race for governor. That race was won by Terry Branstad over my candidate of choice, Bob Vander Plaats. I do want to state one thing, just because Branstad is the Republican candidate doesn't mean he is a or the conservative candidate. I will give him that he does do some conservative things, but I believe there is a lack of consistency in his positions and his actions. This bothers me. As a strong social conservative I wish he would take a stronger stand supporting life and supporting the sanctity of marriage and opposing things that are a detriment to our society such as gambling. Many of my friends and associates have said they will not vote for Branstad. I will not go that far - yet. However, I am looking at third party/independent options. There is still time before November for the former governor to "see the light". I am hoping for a Damacus road conversion.

I am tired of voting for the lesser of evils. I am tired of voting for moderate Republicans who campaign as conservatives. Over the years I have subscribed to the two party only school of thought, that a third party candidate cannot win and is a wasted vote. Right now I am struggling with that concept. I am struggling with how I as a Christian am responsible to God for my vote. How should that truth reflect in my vote? This is all bringing me to closer to the idea that from time to time voting for a third party may not be a wasted vote, but a vote on priniciple - God's principles. A friend of mine has offered that perhaps we should vote for the best candidate for the office based on God's principles regardless of any "chance of winning" - and leave the results up to God. I think that is wise.