Earlier today, my colleague asked me who I voted for when I came into the office. A few minutes later, @fox5newsedge asked:

TWITTER QUESTION to use on the air at 6 tonight. Is it rude to ask someone who they voted for? And why/why not?

My answer for years is has been, that since it is my right to vote as a citizen, then it is my right to keep my votes private. I reserve this right to not be judged by gut and informed decisions on the matters I choose to cast a ballot.

Later on some of my colleagues asked me if that is sending a mixed message? Knowing that I plan to run for Senate one day in the great state of Maryland, my voting record once I got into public office would be public. I say that is a totally different matter. As a private citizen, I reserve the right to keep my votes private should I choose.

Once I get into public office, when it comes to local and federal elections, I will more than likely stay steadfast in keeping my votes to my heart. But when it comes to representing my future constituents, then yes, I want to be accountable for my record as I want to vote for what the people who put me in office support.

For a test, I went to the ACLU congressional scorecard and found for my locale in MD:

Senator Barbara A. Mikulski

First Elected: 1986 Next Election: 2010 Lifetime score: 68%

Senator Benjamin ‘Ben’ L. Cardin Democrat, Maryland First Elected: 2006 Next Election: 2012

Lifetime score: 93%

As a Libertarian, I have voted for democrats, republicans and other independents in the past. I have long felt that a two party system does not fairly represent all the citizens of the United States and was proud to see today on the ballot names of not only other Libertarians, but other independents as well. This gives me hope that eventually the independents will have a voice.

Additionally, since I mentioned it, that I do want to run for Senate in MD. My next opportunity is in 2010 against Mikulski. I hope to find your support along the way to reach that goal and if you would like to be a part of my campaign, even better.

So what do you think? Do you keep your votes private?

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