This is a Democratic site but as far as I know, if there's no viable Dem running in a seat, then it should be okay to throw your vote to an alternative.

If there is no Dem running, but there's a Libertarian, the Libertarian gets my vote. Otherwise, I write in someone. And, sadly, it happens frequently around here.

I was about to seat a jury.

I am so tired of the phrase "socially liberal but fiscally conservative"

I agree. I almost didn't vote in that race. But given that the Republican will win regardless, and a non-vote would just not be counted at all, it made sense to vote for his opponent.