Still Undecided

Normally I'm "all in" for one candidate at this point in the primary season. Not so this year, and last night's debate did nothing to help.

Mitt Romney is not on my radar screen. I see him as a liberal square peg trying his best to force himself into a conservative round hole. The Establishment likes him because he won't challenge the status quo. I see through it. If he gets the nomination I will be hard pressed to hold my nose and vote for him as the Establishment assumes most of us will. Third party, anyone?

Newt Gingrich is, in my opinion, the strongest debater in the group. He'd eat BHO's lunch any day on any topic. He carries a lot of personal baggage, however, that BHO's team would certainly exploit. Newt's record is strong; he led the "Contract with America" and his service as Speaker of the House during the Clinton balanced budget years scores points. He is wise and I would feel comfortable with him in the White House. I'm just not sure he can get there.

Rick Santorum showed poorly in last night's debate in my opinion. He appeared nervous and unprepared for the attacks that were sure to come (and did) given his recent rise in the polls. He allowed Romney to twist his words and distort his record several times, and seemed confused as to how to respond to those attacks. As a social conservative, my values are very much aligned with Santorum's. However, would he be much different as president than George W Bush was? I'm not sure, and therein rests my discomfort.

Ron Paul is a pure Constitutionalist. I like that. In taking the time to read some of his past speeches and interviews, I have no question that Paul would adhere strictly to the Constitution in carrying out his office. As a fiscal conservative I align most closely with Paul's fiscal and monetary policies. I remain somewhat uncomfortable with his foreign policy. Would he wait too long to take action when our country is threatened? I'm not sure I want to find out.

So there you have it. I'm thankful that the Texas primary is still weeks away. I'll be watching and I'll be reading as I continue to research the candidates. And I hope every voter out there does the same.