Putting the Pieces Together — an Open Thread

Putting the Pieces Together

I’ve been thinking about some of the arguments floating around.

Some people think that Martha Coakley MUST NOT be elected to the Senate. Others aren’t so sure. . . .

Some people think we should make deals with people who are radically against some of the issues we hold dear.  Others think that’s a huge mistake. . .

In this Open Thread let’s try to put some of these pieces together — When do we trust a candidate with our vote?  What makes us decide NOT to trust them? When is a protest vote appropriate (for you) and when is it the wrong thing to do?

And what are some of the pieces you’re assembling tonight?