![Greg Abbott gov](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/dentonfracking/20141029225047im_/http://letterstotheeditorblog.dallasnews.com/files/2014/10/TEXAS_GOVERNOR_40405679.jpg)
In this photo taken Tuesday, Oct. 21, 2014, Republican gubernatorial candidate Greg Abbott addresses supporters during a campaign speech in Harlingen, Texas. (AP Photo)
While I appreciate The News’ in-depth election recommendations — with the implied message that intelligent voters should vote the man, not the party, let me explain why I’m voting a straight ticket Republican from here on out.
Democratic candidates who want to package themselves as non-ideologues or moderates tend to run from hot-button social issues on the campaign trail but quietly fall in with the party line once in office.
Recall how adamant was Mike Rawlings that his views on gay marriage, gun control and late-term abortion should be sidelined as irrelevant to his office, yet before you knew it he was backing a citywide gay marriage resolution and using his bully pulpit to lobby for Obama’s gun control initiative.
While some resolutions may be considered merely symbolic gestures, they are a necessary prelude to enacting the kind of nondiscrimination policies sweeping municipalities across the country, which sometimes result in the kind of gross shenanigans demonstrated by HoustonMayor Annise Parker last week.
I feel that the Democratic progressive agenda is radical, extreme and brooks no dissent.
I do not believe there is such a thing as a moderate Democrat anymore.
Caroline Walker, East Dallas