Hey, Doug:

Not to answer for jimmy (although I think the categories like taxation and civil rights are far too broad to even comment upon) I believe that most people vote their pocketbook. Those what got it want to make sure they keep it, and those what don't want a fairer slice of the pie. My Father worked in a factory all of his life and was a firmly planted Democrat. I think if he had suddenly inherited a million dollars, he would have started voting Republican, to keep all them Union folks and poor from cutting into his inheritance.

Not that I think that there is anything inherently wrong with voting your pocketbook. All those things that people refer to as common needs... clothing, housing, food, transportation and a sense of security all are money driven. I would hope that voting strictly on what is best for yourself would at least somewhat be tempered with a desire to make sure that no one is completely left behind.

Jerry