Hello! I am A.J. I need some advice from some Veteran Democrats
Hello, DU Forum. I am new here. I have posted on many political forums but this is the first one that I actually feel at home. Anyways, my name is A.J. I am from northern Louisiana. I am 18 years old and I plan to attend community college in the fall. I am a partisan Democrat and I'm not afraid to tell people that. I've been struggling with an issue that's been pressing on me for some time. I would like to see what fellow Democrats think.
At what point is it OK to vote for a Republican, in your opinion? I ask because many of our elections here in Louisiana have no Democrats running. For instance, in a local election, a Democrat judge just stepped down and three Republicans are vying for his seat. Now, morally speaking, I would never vote for a Republican if there were a Democrat in the race. But in this situation, should I just not vote? Or should I go with the one who is most progressive?
Take another example, from last year. Last year we had a Lieutenant Governor spot open. Two Republicans were vying for the office. One was a hard-line, right wing, tea party endorsed Republican and the other was a moderate conservative. There were no Democrats in the race. In this situation, would I just not vote? Or would I go for the one who is more moderate. (The moderate Republican won the office because many Democrats decided to vote for him.)
To me, voting Republican is a last resort. I see the party as truly immoral and against the interest of every free American. In your opinion, however, is it ever acceptable to vote for a Republican?
Please remember that I am young and looking for guidance from my party brothers and sisters. I am very loyal to the Democratic Party and I want whats best for America and the idea of voting for a Republican disgusts me. But, like in the judgship case, I can either vote for one of the three Republicans or not vote at all.
What do you think, DU?
Thanks so much!
= new reply since forum marked as read
Great question. Welcome to DU! 
I agree with the advice already given above. It's great that you found this place, I'm sure you'll find it interesting.
When you don't have a choice between R & D, study the candidate's position on the issue(s). When I am not happy with a candidate's position I won't vote for them no matter which party. You don't have to fill in every blank. Just vote for the ones you feel would represent your ideals and positions.
In cases like that, I vote for the least offensive Republican running. The other option is, of course, to sit it out and not vote, but that always feels like giving up somehow. Meanwhile, try to get Democrats into the races so that you can be proud of your vote.
I'm in the southern half of Louisiana, which has more of a mixed bag of political views. As you may already know, there are many Catholics down here who vote on the basis of their religious beliefs, & there are many people who are employed by the chemical & oil industries who generally vote on the basis of that alone -- but not all. On the other hand, we also have a diverse, but outnumbered, population that embraces Democratic ideals.
Just as OKNancy & gkhouston have advised you, I vote for those whose thinking most relates to mine. Actually, I'm so turned off by Republicans that I refuse to vote for any of them, although I've made exceptions for those who had previously been Democrats, like John Kennedy, the state treasurer.
We're not in the best situation right now, but with the help of the national GOP's extreme, radical views, I'm hoping that the craziness will eventually turn the tide, & perhaps more people will be willing to call themselves Democrats again.
How did you discover DU? Living in such a red state, as many DUers are, you'll find that DU is a wonderful oasis for progressives. I encourage you to read the terms of service so that you'll understand DU's expectations of its members. You're going to learn a lot here!
Again, welcome, AJ!
i have voted for one or two moderate republicans in my life but do you have an option to write in a name on the ballot? that way you avoid having to vote for a republican.
I see you have already gotten some great advice here. You will find DU can be a most helpful place! And lots of great humor!
Welcome! My sympathies for your situation of often having no Dem on the ballot. I have that problem on a smaller scale here in one of the red zones of Michigan.
Cheers!
Julie
They're often decided in the Republican primaries and the winner of that will frequently run unopposed. *sigh* I have sometimes voted for whoever is the least objectionable, usually try to vote for a straight Democratic ticket, then look to see which offices are left, LOL. 
For example, I have voted for my Republican assemblywoman, since she's pro gay marriage, supports animal rights and was in hot water with the party because she refused to endorse crazy Republican nut job Carl Palladino for governor. She usually runs unopposed, but when a Democrat (who I met) ran against her, I voted for him. My advice is just to do the best you can by learning what the candidates' positions are. I feel your pain... 
And welcome to DU! You've come to the right place!
