Suboptimist

Rob’s oh-so-important endorsements.

I’m not going to bother apologizing for delayed posting.

Anyway, every election cycle I have a tradition of endorsing candidates here. Sure, it’s not like a) anybody reads this or b) my endorsement carries any weight, but someday when I’m making millions as a linguist, my opinion will be sought from far and wide.

First, a little truth-in-advertising moment. I am not a registered member of any political party. I’ve given myself several labels, but the best I can come up with is “Resentful Centrist.” I’ve never voted a straight ticket, and likely never will. I support both liberal and conservative causes, but I generally favor establishing a consensus between the two extremes. Now, let’s begin.

President: Barack Obama (D)

Once upon a time, I considered John McCain a different kind of politician. He bucked the party line on, what I consider, moral issues pertaining to detainee treatment and Republican doctrinal issues like tax cuts. I was even willing to overlook his stance on the Iraq war. A lot has changed since he started running for president again. He started to show his true colors: pandering to the religious right, backtracking on tax cuts, and faltering on his stance on detainee treatment. Enter Barack Obama. This man is a new kind of politician. One who I genuinely feel will heal the wounds this country has suffered over the last eight years. Despite what the Republican machine (especially here in Utah) keeps spouting, Barack Obama is not calling for handouts. Barack Obama is not a socialist (though, for my LDS readers, look here. He seeks only to restore dignity to the American working man and woman. In Obama, I see a chance for the United States to become united once more.

Governor: John Huntsman, Jr. (R)

This is driving some of my friends insane. Let me explain myself. John Huntsman has performed the job he was elected to do in 2004 brilliantly. While I have my share of complaints (he’s a little too academic in his approach to government), I’ve been very satisfied with my vote in 2004. His stances on climate change and alcohol laws are very favorable. What I like most about Huntsman is what I would like to see in more Republicans in Utah: while the majority of those who elected him are Mormons, he understands that, in a secular society, he has to govern for non-Mormons as well. I think Huntsman will go down in history as one of Utah’s best governors.

U.S. House District 2: Jim Matheson (D)

Since I’ve been able to vote I’ve been voting for Matheson. He’s a moderate and a compromiser. I doubt his challenger will be the same.

State Legislature District 25: Christine Johnson (D)

I’m going to be up front. I’m only voting for her because Utah Republicans generally frighten me. I’ve only been in this district for a month, so…if I lived two blocks north, I’d be endorsing Joe Jarvis (R) for his health care credentials, but he won’t win up there anyway.

Attorney General: ??

I haven’t decided on this yet. I have issues with Mark Shurtleff, but he’s done well at what he’s been elected to do. I’ll let you know how this goes.

I know nothing about school board races

Constitutional amendments

A, B, C, E: Yes

D (redistricting): No

Bond elections

Zoo: Yes

Aviary: Yes