STARS: Choosing Political Candidates

I have not really ever picked a candidate based on a political affliction nor party. I cannot remember ever voting straight party nor boosting a candidate for any reason such as race, age, party affliction, etc. 

I look at the issues the candidate is talking about and their platform. I love to listen to them talk live, outside of the usual ads and mudslinging.  

I realize that unless they are independent, they are going to lean certain ways. Republicans are going the traditional Christian route, gun rights, pro life. Democrats are about gun control, free choice, bailouts. Libertarians defy big government and are about free markets. I like to deep dive further into how will they improve my overall way of life. Meaning as a black working man in my 40s who pays taxes, is hopeful for a fruitful retirement, and wants equal justice and fair treatment. The candidates I choose must be consistent with these values and very little flip flopping. 

I also admire persistence and even those that are passionate about the candidate.  Their why is equally as important as I learn the impact the candidate has and why. 

I have followed this voting method for 24 years and now hope for a better voting method in the presidential elections so I don't feel forced to pick the lesser of two evils. We are seeing two much of that and I need more options. I'm about the candidate rather than the party.