Lord help us if you people really think that Romney is conservative.
He was in favor of the bailouts; he's got a freaking D- from Gun Owners of America; passed an assault weapons ban, and is on record as opposing semi-automatic weapons; can't forget Romneycare; pro-choice until recently; and so much more. This country cannot afford another election of voting for "the lesser of two evils." We're NEVER going to get out of this mess if we keep doing that. If we keep on voting for the lesser of two evils, WHERE DOES IT STOP?! At what point will we be able to elect a GOOD person?
We are $16 trillion in debt. Romney or Gingrich in office means a definite war with Iran over nuclear weapons that may or may not even exist. Obama in office means a likely war with Iran for the same reasons. Whether they'd be a "threat" or not, the fact is, we cannot afford the foreign policy of anyone EXCEPT Ron Paul! We. Do. Not. Have. MONEY. Arguing the merits of this or that foreign policy or this or that agency is a moot point unless we find a way to finally pay off the debt and balance the budget, because if we keep on this course, we won't have enough cash to HAVE a foreign policy or Federal agencies. Paul's plan is the *only* plan that balances the budget - if Congress will work with him. Even if it doesn't, there's a lot he can still do. He's sworn to veto any unbalanced budget. Romney and Gingrich have not. He's been consistent for years. Romney and Gingrich have not. He's never, EVER taken money from a lobbyist.
Just like Ron Paul, my vote is not for sale. If a candidate wants my vote, they must be seven things:
1) Consistent - rules out the majority, sadly.
2) Constitutionalist - dang near everyone is eliminated with this.
3) A supporter of the free market - this rules out a lot, but not as many as the above two.
4) Fiscally conservative - there are a few that pass this criteria.
5) Willing to go against their party - several that pass here, too.
6) Honestly conservative in foreign policy - by this, I mean that they will not support nation-building, and will not go to war without an actual declaration of war from Congress. In a war, thousands die, and the decision to risk our soldiers' lives must not be made lightly or for dubious reasons.
7) Pro-life - quite simply, I will never vote for a pro-choice candidate. Now, Constitutionally, the Federal government has no power regarding abortion. A pro-life candidate would seek to overturn Roe v. Wade, however.
Those are extremely strict criteria, but I cannot in good conscience vote for a candidate who does not meet them all.