My vote is going to...

For folks who are interested in what I am doing tomorrow. I plan to vote. I thought I'd share some of the candidates I plan to vote for with a short explanation why. Let me add the caveat that as a pastor, these votes represent my best judgements and values but they don't represent the church I serve. Our tradition values diversity and the competency of church members to come to their own decisions.

President: Barack Obama
I've already written an essay on this election, but the short of it is that I am voting for the possibilities of government playing a positive role when it comes to social problems. When it comes to medicare, the future of social security, supreme court justices that will uphold such programs or strike them down, and the 30 million folks who will have health insurance because of the Affordable Care Act, the choice for president was clear.

US House: Chris Henrichsen
He's already given a gift to Wyoming democrats, a state wide, well run, issues based campaign. I became interested in the campaign when he decided to run on the Affordable Care Act. His defense of medicare is in stark contrast with his 4 opponents. His campaign has sought to reach beyond party and other divisions. I think the moment that summed it up was when he defended immigrants in the debate in Sheridan. Representing all people is what we need in Washington.

State Senate: Rosie Berger
My first Republican vote in a number of years goes to my state senator, who has been a defender of public education. Her work with the Wy Assoc of Churches in support of a nursery in the women's state prison is a reflection of values needed in Cheyenne. And her rejection of the anti gay marriage amendment, shows a rejection of the politics of division which is racking the state GOP.

State Constitutonal Amendments A, B: No
A is language seeking to challenge the Affordable Care Act which should embroil the state in lawsuits and does nothing for those without health insurance in our state. B enshrines hunting over against every other form of land use. It's a tool designed to be used against environmental groups, but hunting will always be part of our state heritage; but it doesn't need to override everything.

Provisos, Questions
I recognize that all the candidates I plan to vote for I have disagreements with. The choice though is based on whose on my ballot and deciding the best given that. Obama on foreign policy is to my right. Henrichsen on the deficit is as well. Berger on civil liberty issues as well.

But I do have some undecided races and I welcome any help from folks on those. Amendment C on paper seems to expedite the legal process by giving some district judge responsibilities to commissioners. Is there a pitfall I'm missing? I'm voting for Tim Chestnut for US Senate despite his lackluster campaign, because of his support of civil liberties.

Sheridan's mayoral race is difficult because I appreciate Kinskey's advocacy for open space and promoting the community but when he overrode much of that same community in busting the firefighter's union he lost me. Are there folks for school board worth recommending? I plan to vote for Hollis Hackman who has been an advocate for public schools, graduation rates, etc. Are there names for the college board I should know and be attentive to tomorrow? I admit as much as I seek to follow races, the lower down the ballot the harder it is for me to keep informed.