I voted for a Republican for the first time in my life today.

[Drunken Irishman]

I live in a fairly liberal district in my city. Unfortunately, four liberals ran in the primary for city council and split the vote - leaving the general to two Republicans. I wasn't going to vote, however, one candidate is a Ron Paul Republican who wants to defund our public transit and do away with tax-funded projects. The other supports some causes I support and was even endorsed by Equality Utah and our Democratic mayor.

Still, it sucked voting for a Republican. I felt so dirty.

[kydo]

1. it will wear off - you did what you had to do

and I am still proud of you.

[Warpy]

2. I once voted for a Republican because the Democrat

was a conservative, antichoice stiff. The Republican was Ed Brooke and a much better choice that year.

However, I share your pain.

[UrbScotty]

3. Five Republicans ran in the primary in my hometown

Zero Democrats.

I voted for the least conservative in the primary - and voted for her again in the general.

For City Commission, I voted for someone who used to support Democratic candidates at one point - running against a tea partier.

That will all change when I run.

[Bandit]

4. If my only choice is to vote Republican I choose not to vote.

I will NEVER vote Republican.... EVER

[leftstreet]

5. Why not just skip over that one?

[Aerows]

11. I'd rather have the flu

for a little while than have cancer. Sometimes it really is best to choose the least harm when you can't choose from anything better.

[Blue_In_AK]

6. Don't feel bad.

I voted for Republican Jay Hammond for governor of Alaska back in the '70s. I have no regrets...he was one of the best governors ever.

[JI7]

7. a lot of times it's about avoiding worse things from happening

[LuvNewcastle]

8. The Dems are about as conservative as the Republicans in my area.

There aren't always Dems. running in a lot of races, so I would have to skip local elections to keep from voting for GOP candidates. I won't vote for one of those rabid teabaggers; that's where I draw the line. I just vote for the most liberal candidate in each race.

[Yo_Mama]

9. It happens

at least you're voting!

If you live a long life with reasonable civic participation, sooner or later you will reach the election in which you can't believe your own vote, but you would do it over because it was the best option.

[Aerows]

10. If it's a choice between a tourniquet

to stop the bleeding and losing your leg versus losing your life, choose the tourniquet. Neither is an appetizing choice, but one leaves you seeing another day.

[Mz Pip]

12. I did it once, too

I voted for McCain over Bush in the 2000 primaries. I couldn't stand Bush even before he creeped into office.

We have that top two vote getter thing in CA, too. Here it's mostly Democrat vs. Democrat.

[yurbud]

13. this happens in California with open primaries. I dislike it.