Arthur McDonald wrote:
The NC primary elections are way out there on May 6. You might just bide your time and see who is left running for the party of your choice at that time.
In 1980 I voted for an independent named John Anderson. He was the darling of young Democrats who were disillusioned with Jimmy Carter, even after Jimmy made good on his threat to "kick Kennedy's ass" if Teddy dared seek the Democratic nomination. Wikipedia
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Bayard_Anderson says that Anderson ended up with 7% of the popular vote in the general election, while Reagan had over 50%. However, I still think that Anderson took away a lot of Carter's base and things might have turned out different if Anderson had not run. As it turns out, I'm glad that Reagan won, though at the time I thought he was a geriatric nut-case who would start a shooting war with the Soviets.
I'm undecided right now (among the GOP candidates). Heck, I've got almost 4 months to watch and think about who to vote for. This will make for some interesting paddock and dinner conversations.

i actually voted for Reagan in 1980. crossed party lines for tax cuts that promised to jump start the economy. by '84 Reagan's brain was as firm as a ripe butternut squash.
the current GOP crop is way frickin' scary IMO. it's a damn shame McCain is so old these days. 4 years ago maybe, but i'm afraid he missed his chance.
i watched Ron Paul on Leno last night. at first i found him creepy but as the interview went on i found him more engaging. but he is probably best suited for the senate or where ever he is now.
as i see it, this a rebound election. backlash if you will. similar to 1992 when damn near everyone showed up at the polls. we can only hope the Democrats put up a competent leader........... cause we gonna win this one ya'll.