I was a card-carrying, Lifelong Republican from 1977 until 1994, when Newt Gingrich put me off with his Contract with (Intent to destroy) America. I then drifted for 13 or so years without any party affiliation, but almost never voting Republican again.  Governor Charlie Crist has been the only exception.  Anyway, last spring I finally opted to join the Democratic Party, based solely on the ability to make my voice heard in the primaries, in which I hadn't participated for so many years, even though I have never missed an opportunity at the ballot booth in my local precinct.  But if Florida cannot send delegates to the Democratic National Convention next summer, I have no reason whatsoever to select any candidate in the Presidential Preference Primaries on January 29th.  In fact, I refuse to make a selection in these circumstances.  I may never vote for a Republican again, especially after the disgraceful disaster of the past 7 years, but now I am wondering if I really even needed a party affiliation at all.