Hard Decision.....Head or Heart?

Today is primary election day in Wisconsin. Part of the process. Candidates' radio and television ads have been running non-stop for about two weeks. And the robo-calls. I've heard from The Donald, Sarah Palin called and Hillary's campaign too. Nice feeling so "popular".

I have to admit that in the past I've often skipped the primary - just waiting for the general election when the candidates were set and made my decision. Not this time.

I thought my vote would make a difference this time. I went to the internet to read each candidates policy statement and proposals detailed on their official websites. I tried to be "non-judgemental".....but I stumbled over basic sentences that just seem to jump off the page. I tried to read past some of the things that just hit me in the face, trying not to be a one-issue-voter....trying to imagine the big picture.

What kind of leader would this candidate be? Could I accept his/her personal beliefs if they were the complete opposite of mine? When it come to gun control, to faith-based discussions, to a woman's right to choose, to foreign policy, to creating jobs, to issues around immigration and our borders, to the way to defeat terrorists. What about the costs of education, equal pay for equal work, any plans to address global warming.....if the candidate even believes this is a problem.

I have never had such difficulty with a decision and, after showing my now required photo ID, I stood in that election booth and stared at the list of candidates. My pen hovered over the page, my mind and my heart pondered a decision.

And I lowered the pen and filled in the oval next to one name.....and I inserted my ballot into the ballot box, waited for the little electric "bing" that told me my vote had been counted.

And I walked home.

So tonight I'll watch the talking heads analyze what happens today in Wisconsin.

And I'll wait for the conventions.

And then I'll walk into my voting booth in November and make a final decision.......wondering if the person I voted on today will even be on that ballot.