My Endorsement for Governor

For weeks now I have agonized over the question of who to vote for in this upcoming gubernatorial election here in Massachusetts.  I have followed politics for many years and have always amused myself with keeping up to date.  Since I first registered to vote, I have been a died-in the wool conservative Republican.  Win or loose, I have voted straight down the GOP ticket in each election (with only one exception).  This year, I just cannot bring myself to do that.

The Massachusetts GOP has nominated Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey for the job.  Though I would agree with her on some fiscal and crime prevention issues, how can I reconcile them with these views:

Q: Tell me what policy of Gov. Romney’s you disagree with.
HEALEY: We’ve always disagreed on choice and I think those differences have only become more stark over time. And I respect that, I respect differences of opinion, but I’ve always been pro choice.
(2006 MA Gubernatorial debate on Fox News with Chris Wallace Sep 25,)
http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Kerry_Healey_Abortion.htm

In February she said she favors embryonic stem cell research, the subject of a bill that Romney unsuccessfully vetoed last year.
http://www.ontheissues.org/Governor/Kerry_Healey_Abortion.htm

Healey opposes gay marriage but favors civil unions, which positions her to the left of Gov. Mitt Romney on this issue. She supports a proposed constitutional amendment banning same-sex marriages, but has said she would not support a measure allowing the state’s Catholic bishops to exclude gays and lesbians from adopting children from Catholic agencies.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/issues/gay_marriage

Healey has said she is open to the idea of slot machines at the state’s racetracks, a stand that puts the lieutenant governor at odds with her boss, Gov. Mitt Romney. Her campaign manager, Tim O’Brien, said Healey does not want to see the racetracks close. But, he said, if slot machines become legal Healey wants to make sure lottery revenue — and thus local aid to cities and towns — does not suffer.
http://www.boston.com/news/local/politics/issues/gambling/

How can I vote for this woman?  As a Christian, I simply cannot continue to support candidates that promote the murder of unborn children, homosexual rights, and easier access to gambling.  I know the argument, we vote for the lesser of two evils.  Deval Patrick is much worse, therefore we vote Healey to make it not so bad.  That argument is growing old.  To vote for the lesser of two evils is still a vote for evil.  How can we ever expect to see real change take place if we keep voting for candidates who oppose our views.  If you keep voting for the wrong people, the wrong people win.  It’s just that simple. 

Yes, but Kevin, real change only comes from the preaching of the Word of God.  With that I agree whole-heartily.  But why, as a preacher of the gospel, would I preach from the pulpit one message, and then from the ballot box support those advocating a completely opposing message?  My job as a preacher grows more difficult as sin becomes more accepted and accessible.  It simply has to end.
As a Bible-believing Christian, I am commanded to separate myself from evil.  I am to oppose it with vigor and disdain.  Therefore, I cannot continue to support the Massachusetts State Republican Party and I will not vote for its nominee.

So then, the big question is, what do I do?  I seriously consider even sitting this one out.  If God wanted me to vote, He would have given me candidates…  But sitting out is not the act of a responsible citizen.  So then what is a Christian conservative to do in liberal Massachusetts?  I began searching for a third party candidate.  However, the other two candidates on the ballot are worse than Mrs. Healey. 

Sunday morning I began looking around for other options.  I then came in contact with Rich Selfridge, the Chairman of the Massachusetts State Constitution Party.  He and I began exchanging e-mails and I grew impressed with the party and its views.  Here are Christians supporting Biblical values, limited government and conservative fiscal policy.  This is exactly what I am looking for.  Who would have thought such a group would exist here! 

Therefore, it is my honor and privilege to support the write-in candidacy of Michael Carl.  Mike Carl is the Co-Chairman of the Massachusetts State Constitution Party.  From the website, “Michael Carl is a pastor in Wakefield, MA, a free-lance writer and a periodic columnist with the Wakefield Daily Item.  He is also President of The Heritage Alliance, a pro-family, pro-life, pro-limited constitutional government public policy group.  He lives with his wife and two sons in Lynn, MA.”  You can read some of his writings here:

Truth in Labeling
Red V. Blue:  Shame on Us

I give Mr. Carl my whole-hearted endorsement.  It is my prayer that many others will write in the name Michael Carl, 109 Eutaw Ave., Lynn, MA   01902 (the address must be written in as well).  Come Election Day, I look forward to casting my vote for a man whose policies I can fully support. 

You can learn more about the Massachusetts State Constitution Party by visiting their website.