I’m voting for Ron Paul

Matt K. Lewis Senior Contributor
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For years now, there has been an ongoing debate over whether or not journalists ought to vote. Michael Kinsley thinks they should, while Mike Allen argues that journalists shouldn’t vote on races they are covering.

Both make legitimate points, as far as I’m concerned.

Fortunately, I reside in the Commonwealth of Virginia — a state whose primary election typically occurs late enough in the cycle to render voting a moot point. What is more, Virginia doesn’t have party registration (this is nice because while I consider myself a conservative, I no longer think of myself a Republican, per se.)

This year, there is another quirk: Voting in Virginia doesn’t necessarily betray (or reinforce) ones preference, since neither Sen. Rick Santorum nor former Speaker Newt Gingrich will be on the ballot (neither qualified). President Obama, of course, faces no legitimate primary challenge, so the only choice for Virginians will be between former Gov. Mitt Romney and Rep. Ron Paul.

Yay!

My blog is specifically advertised as being a hybrid of “Opinion. Analysis. Inside Reporting.” There is no attempt to hide or conceal that I’m opinionated. By the same token, while one may debate whether or not journalists ought to vote, it occurs to me that if one chooses to vote in a consequential election, it’s probably at least preferable to do so in a transparent manner.

As such, this is to inform you my vote will be for Ron Paul.

Matt K. Lewis