[dekeguy]

Seems to me that none of us are really fully qualified to pronounce with authority the exact meanings of Roman Catholic doctrine and practice regarding issues of faith and morals.

That being said let me share my thoughts on this matter.
The RC Church is hierarchial in structure. I'm not sure whether this priest had the authority to make the sweeping statement discussed in this thread.
If his Bishop, in his role as teacher to the faithful, had specifically required or authorized this position then the priest was just doing his job. If not, then it would appear that the priest erred by denying his flock their OBLIGATION to consider this matter within the internal forum (their conscience). Absent clear direction on faith and morals his role should be to raise the question and ask his people to consider whether they in good conscience could be properly disposed to receive the Sacrament of Holy Eucharist. It is not for him to judge the consciences of the faithful, it is for him to make them think and consider.
When I was in school a wise old Jesuit Priest asked us, "When God gave you a brain, do you suppose He had in mind that you do something with it?" He went on to say that he doubted that God would be upset if you honestly followed your conscience in all your actions. Not for convenience, not for advantage, not for any purpose save for an honest considered decision of good conscience. The reason that Jesuit education is heavy on Theology and Philosophy is to provide a frame of knowledge and reference to help you with life's tough choices - you know, the ones YOU are responsible to make.
If one receives the Eucharist and is not properly disposed to receive it then this is sacrilege. A big time slap in the face to God. Not a good idea.

One should vote following one's conscience. If you think candidate X will be the better one for the job to which he/she aspires then go for it. If one honestly believes that candidate Y is the better choice then go for it.
Whether or not you agree with ALL of the candidate's positions and policies is not really the key question. How you act in light of your own conscience is the key question. I don't think God is going to ask what Candidate X did, I think He will ask, when confronted with a moral choice what did YOU do?

Now, as an addendum. I have discussed the abortion issue with two Cardinals and a raft of Jesuit Theologians. The RCs hold that human life is sacred. Abortion for convenience is never seen as a good and proper act. Termination with the intent to end the pregnancy is never seen as a good and proper act. HOWEVER, if a medical procedure is necessary to save life and the intention is save the life of the mother and if as a result of the procedure the child is lost then this is a tragic happening but it is a consequence of an act to save life, not to end it. The issue revolves around the intention. Procedure intended to save life with an unintended but inevitable consequence - morally acceptable. Procedure to intentionally end life - morally unacceptable. No, its not splitting hairs. Its a tough call but a clear standard to follow.

OK, those are my thoughts on the matter.