In 1992 the California Catholic Conference published Guidelines for Pastors and Parishes
on Lobbying and Electioneering. In those guidelines we find the bishops saying, "We
urge citizens to avoid choosing candidates simply on the basis of narrow self-interest.
We hope that voters will examine the positions of candidates on the full range of issues,
as well as their personal integrity, philosophy and performances."
What is the voter to do when a candidate is right on some issues and wrong on others?
What is the voter to do when both or all candidates are right or wrong in the voter’s
judgment on different issues? I suggest the voter has to decide what are the most fundamental
issues, learn where the candidate stands on the greater number of those issues and then
vote accordingly.
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