My November 2nd Vote

I won't do an election prediction, but this is what my ballot will look like on November 2nd at 7:15am.

President/Vice President: John Kerry and John Edwards-D
Bush has failed on multiple accounts and doesn't deserve a second term. One of the biggest reasons regards the Supreme Court--Bush would nominate conservative judges (maybe 3) and a court like that would make me wait even longer for marriage equality.

US Senate: Paul VanDam-D
I'm voting for him because he's a Democrat that reflects my values.

US Representative: Steve Thompson-D
He hasn't been effective in his campaign, but I'm voting for him because I don't like the incumbent. Bishop sent a mailer (with my tax money) informing me of the importance of traditional marriage. He'll win again, but I don't like him.

Utah Governor: Scott Matheson-D
I hope he wins, but unfortunately I don't think he will. I don't think he's run an effective campaign because I can't name the differences between him and John Huntsman. They've ran a clean race, but differences are a must--especially with an attractive Republican candidate.

Utah Attorney General: Mark Shurtleff-R
A Republican...yeah, I know. But I really like Mark, and this is why: I disagreed with a legal opinion he made and I talked to him about it. We debated it and he said, "You know, I never thought about that point. That's a good one." He really listened to me and valued what I had to say. Even though we disagreed, I want someone like him who respects opposition and treats everyone with respect and fairness. Plus, he prosecutes those polygamists. He's a really good man and I hope he runs for higher office.

Utah State Auditor: Auston Johnson-R
He's more qualified than his opponent.

Utah State Treasurer: Edward Alter-R
He's more qualified than his opponent.

Utah Senate: Fred Fife-D
This one was hard for me. Senator James Evans has represented the district well and I would vote for him in other times. But our legislature is overwhelmingly Republican and I can't bring myself to voting to support that. I think Fred Fife will be a puppet of the Democrats, but in these times, that's okay (kinda).

Utah House of Representatives: Duane Bourdeaux-D
Rep. Bourdeaux has done a fantastic job representing me and will continue to do so. Plus, he adds diversity to the House as the only black Representative.

County Mayor: Peter Corroon-D
Peter is the only man in the race that can really help the county. He's been working hard all year and will work even harder as mayor. Peter is approachable, friendly, and listens to me when I talk to him.

County Council: Jenny Wilson-D
As a feminist, I believe that the county council should have a woman on it. Plus, Jenny will help clean up the county mess that the Republicans put us in.

Constitutional Amendment 1: Yes
It makes sense.

Constitutional Amendment 2: Yes
It makes sense.

Constitutional Amendment 3: NO!!
I doesn't make sense. We already have it as law, it didn't go before the Constitutional Revision Committee, and it's discrimination. It goes too far to "protect" traditional marriage. As a gay man, it saddens me to know this will pass. That's why we need a liberal Supreme Court that will allow Brian and I to marry. I can't wait for that day.

Initiative 1: No
I don't like tax raises. I think there are questions that the proponents haven't fully answered.