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My objectives change from election to election, and thus, my choice of candidates changes. Back in 2000, I was on the McCain bandwagon. I love his no nonsense approach to the government, and even though I don't agree with him on a few issues, I deeply respect him. When Bush won the Republican nomination, I chose Gore. I didn't really like Gore in the beginning, but I figured he was better than Bush, and he did mirror a great number of my beliefs. In 2004, I supported Clark initially, but then moved to support Kerry when it was clear he would be the Democratic nominee. I HATE Bush policies.
This year, my big issues are 1) the Iraq war. It's personal for me. My husband has had to leave 3 times already and I hate it. I've also lost a really good friend. 2) the economy and domestic policies-- AMEND NAFTA. 3) social issues (abortion, gay marriage, etc), but not nearly to the degree of the other two.
Personality of the candidate plays a part in my preference, only to the degree that I can read that someone is trustworthy, genuine, and has leadership qualities that I admire.
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