What it would take for me to vote Democrat

[Democratic Hawk]

I vote economically (do do I).  I'm sure many Americans do too.  While social issues do concern me, I do consider the economy more important.

1) Minimum wage - I know Democrats like raising it to ridiculous levels.  I'd prefer it to be $0, but that isn't likely to happen from Democrats.  However, if Democrats stop attempting to raise it for a while, I might consider it an acceptable compromise and won't hold that against them.

I support the minimum wage (paying people a living wage reduces dependency on welfare)

2) Federal government power and size - Directly oppose Republicans from expanding the federal government's size, influence, and budget.  This would be a big, BIG mark in your favor.

I support smaller government in principle

3) Taxes - Lower taxes.  If you want to keep it the same for those ultra rich, fine.  But for those earning under a $100,000 a year, it can't go low enough.  Take it down.  A promise to not raise taxes is a mark AGAINST you.  It should be lowered.

I support tax cuts for those who need them and not those who don't

4) Businesses - Be friendly to small businesses.  If you have your hangups with big businesses, fine.  I don't like it, but at this point I'll vote for my own interests (small business) over other's.  Lower taxes.  It would be nice if there was no income taxes on small businesses under $250,000.  And no capital gains tax or dividends tax.  I also want my kids to take over my business, so eliminating the death tax would be a big thing for me.

I support lower taxes for small businesses

5) Social issues - Drugs, abortion, gay marriage, etc.  Whatever.

I'm anti-drugs (except for pain relief), oppose abortion unless a matter of necessity, oppose gay marriage (but support non-religious civil unions)

6) The ACLU - Get them under control.  It ticks me off a great deal to see tradition go down the toilet.  Someone uttering the word "God" or "Christmas" is not a criminal, so quit making people feel so.

I definitely support getting the ACLU under control. I'm critical of the Christian Right; hence, in fairness I cannot let the ACLU take things too far in the opposite (i.e. secular) direction. There is a fine line between civil liberties and taking liberties

Dave