Reply #130: I don't think there's a single issue

[Mabus]

I think it is the entire package but it is weighted by several issues and taxes is one of the key ones. Why? IMHO people are concerned (and more likely to vote) if they feel there is an issue that affects them personally.

For the RRR, like the fundies, they support and vote on candiates they perceive are more likely to vote. They need a clear dichotomy between "us" and "them." Or, as they see it "the saved" versus the "unsaved." Of course, this description isn't applicable to every Christian. I know some Christians. They all aren't rabid, crazy bible-toters.

Then there's the RR, the ones who will support any Republican because they hate Democrats. Period. Their mentality is more along the lines of rabid sports fans. Their "team" will always have their support over any other "team." Take a Cub fan or a Red Sox fan. They remained true to their team despite some bad years. BTW, I'm a huge Kansas Jayhawk fan and I will be a loyal Jayhawk until the day I die.

Then you have the middle of the roaders, the ones that are struggling along paying bills. They worry about things like the price of gas, taxes and whether to buy store/generic brand or go for the "Grape Nuts." In the end, they are going to vote for the person they think/perceive will be beneficial to their bottom line. Unfortuanately, way too many of these people are undereducated on the issues or how Bush's policies will really affect them. They automatically think "tax and spend liberals" and thanks to the MSM Kerry was labeled (intentionally and with malice) a liberal.

There are a number of issues that can change any election. Go back and look at 2000. Some "analysts" say it was the gun vote, some say it was the pro-choice vote, some say it was the soccer mom vote, some cite other reasons that Bush won (although I know he didn't) the election.

In otherwords, when I talk to people on a day-to-day basis (and in a red state) their paramount concerns aren't national security, it's paying something off, getting something fixed or trying to figure out how to purchase a replacement. It's all about their money. With Republicans they think it means lower taxes, therefore when all other things are equal (because they don't know any better) they'll vote for the person they think will let them keep their money.

Anyway, those are my thoughts.

:hi: back at you. I'm doing well. I've spend the morning preparing for an influx of relatives. KU plays Texas tonight and I've got relatives coming into town to attend the game and a few to hang out here, visit and watch the game.

As for that other thing. I've pretty much come to terms with it. It will always hurt but I can't let it control my life.

Thanks.:loveya: