I've made my final decision on my primary vote

I have an order of candidates that I've been formulating. Many factors included, but no need to detail all that. Here's my vote.

Ohio's primary is March 2nd.

I want to vote for Howard Dean, as I have been a supporter of his when he was around 2% in the polls. However, I'm very fond of Dennis Kucinich and need to see his policies given more exposure. So here is my strategy.....

If Dean wins Iowa and New Hampshire and finishes top 3 in South Carolina, then I will vote Kucinich in March. If DK has a strong showing in Ohio, then he will be able to roll that into a Senate run in 2006....so I will give him my vote to help with that.

If Dean has poor showings in Iowa and NH, then I will vote for Dean in Ohio.

These do not mark as endorsements from my campaign. I have not endorsed any Presidential candidate and will most likely not do so until after my own primary election.

In the general election cycle, I will vote for, work with, and donate time, money and resources to any candidate that is on the Democratic ticket. I am a true Democrat and will never hold a vote against a candidate in times as important as these.

I like DK too, and I hope he runs for Senate in 2006 if he doesn't get the presidential nomination.

...that birdie isn't always reliable, but it does make sense.

Use the Presidential campaign to generate interest and support that hasn't recognized Dennis in the past, parlay (sp?) that into support and interest for a run at Mike DeWine in 2006. Eventually, a stronger run at the White House can be made for DK.

Think about it....he has a MUCH MUCH MUCH better shot at bringing down Mike DeWine for Senate now than he did a year ago. How many DK supporters nationwide knew very little of the man a year ago? It would be a brilliant strategy.

Every day, he is increasing name recognition, gathering a virtual army of supporters, and you KNOW they'd return for another try in 2 years.

You've got to love the man. A democrat's democrat.

Thanks for sharing. Kucinich should do pretty well in Ohio I hope.

I started supporting him from the beginning, when he was not on the radar yet. Switched to Clark for a couple of weeks, but now I'm back for good.

... and feel attracted back to 2%, eh?

If Dean wins in IOWA and New Hampshire and finished well in South Carolina... it's unlike Kucinich will still be in the race in March.

...and he's not dropping out for a LONG time, no matter how he does. Especially in his home state. He'll be there for that no matter what.

As for being attracted back to 2%, I've always been one to pull for the underdog.

sometimes you have to start all over again :hi:

It really isn't a money issue as he is running a bare bones campaign anyway. And, well I never considered this angle before, it makes a Senatorial run that much easier. God, I'd love to see Kucinich in the Senate where he can get a higher profile, a bit more power, and not have to worry about campaigning every other year.

To run next time (assuming we lose - he'll probably be too old for 2012).

I was thinking a Cabinet position or VP (if it starts to look like we'll win in a walk)

I've long said I'd vote DK if I think he can get delegates, but I'm in NY and he probably won't get 15% - I still might add to his totals though.

Your kind of strategic thinking is what we need more of.

at least you'll stick and fight bushco.

DK has sewn it up for me in the primaries. I'm in Ohio, too, and I hope he has a good showing here to send a message to the rest of the party.

Kucinich most closely reflects my positions, and his policies should be represented at the convention. Winning isn't everything. Sending delegates can make a difference. And the progressive wing of the party ought to be represented by as many Kucinich delegates as can be sent.

But I also think - with something like pragmatic enthusiasm - that Dean is the one the party needs to reinvigorate itself and to stand a chance of winning. If he looked in trouble, I'd cast my primary vote his way.

As another Ohio voter, I like your logic. If Kerry is still in the running, I'll vote for him in the primary. However, I would love to see DK make a Senate run and a strong showing in Ohio will give him even more name recognition. I could vote for DK without hesitation.

I hope our little birdies are on the same page because I hear that Fingerhut is running for Senate in 2004, DK for Senate in 2006, and Springer is still seriously considering a run for Governor. I love that Ohio Dems finally seem to have a long-term plan. :)

For Senate....his petitions are being finished now, and will be turned in to the Board Of Elections in the next two weeks.

Would help to fill the Wellstone void.

I'm glad we got that settled.

he needs every Ohio vote he can get to prove his electability, and he could easily win Ohio if people continue to listen to his message

2008 or 12.

If Dennis doesn't win his home state in the primary, It will haunt him if he ever wants to make a future run.

It would be nice to have him as an option for future election cycles as well. It would also be a much-needed boost to the progressive wing of the party for DK to take a state - even if it has no bearing on the nomination.

Thanks for sharing.

:)

we have alot in common.

I have a bargain with Dennis (he doesn't know it yet), but if he's still in the race when my May primary rolls around, he has my vote. The only exception would be if Lieberman is somehow still in the running, then I would have to vote for whomever has the best chance against holy Joe.

So most likely I'll end up voting for Dean.

Not only CAN I - with no reservations - live with whatever decision you early voters end up making...looks like I won't have much of a choice.