I tend to look at where they stand on issues.....
That affect me personally. And then I look at what they have done on those issues (which may be different that what they say), and THEN look at where they are on issues which do not affect me directly and persionally.
If they are in favor of gun control, I am against them. I don't give a rat's backside where they are on other issues, gun control affects me personally.
Maybe the Patriot act is not a good thing, not because of how it is currently being used, but because of what it could allow future politicals to do, I don't really know for sure. What I do know is that it has not affected me in a direct noticable way. Therefore, it is not at the top of my hot button list.
Maybe the former mayor of NYC really doesn't want to take our guns away, or force us to have special licenses in order to keep some of our property. I don't know for sure, but based on what he has said and DONE in the past, I don't think I will support his bid for further govt office.
Hillary's proposals flat scare me to death! Too many people only look at having to pay less out of pocket and so support govt run medicine. You want socialised medicine? You think the Govt will do such a good job, just look at the VA hospitals! And as far as the rest of it is concerned, I just look back at all the wonderful things we had during her husband's reign. Ruby Ridge, Waco, the AWB '94, and who can forget, Monica? etc. I'm sure that if elected, Hillary will not make the same mistakes (again). She will, however, make other ones, and I for one would not care to see that happen, because there is no telling just how many people will get hurt this next time.
I am not entirely a single issue voter, and I do see the point that voting for someone just because they support gun rights should not be done. Supporting gun rights is a minimum requirement, then go on from there and see what they think (and do) on other important issues.
On the other hand, someone actively against gun rights, right there they are disqualified in my book. I don't care if we are in 100% agreement on everything else, if they are working for gun control, they are not for me!