Suggestions: Good candidate overview sites?

A conversation this morning…

D: i have a question

Me: i’ve got an answer
let’s see if they match

D: part of my reluctance to vote or even spend the time educating myself in preparation to vote is my assumption that the election comes down to the electoral college, thus making the public vote essentially worthless. true or false?

Me: there were times when I’d have agreed — I’m no big fan of the electoral college system — but if nothing else, the 2000 situation in Florida should (to me, at least) make it clear that the public vote does count…it’s what determines who gets the electoral votes, after all

D: ok, so tell me how the public vote affectes the electoral process

Me: lol this always makes my brain hurt…but I’ll give it a shot

D: hheheh

Me: each state has X number of electoral votes, determined by population
the popular vote determines how the electoral votes are cast
if the majority of a state votes Dem, the electoral votes are cast for the Dem nominee
(which is one of the reasons I’m not a fan – I’d prefer it if the electoral votes were split roughly by how the popular vote went…so, if a state voted 2/3 Rep and 1/3 Dem, the electoral votes would also be 2/3 Rep and 1/3 Dem, rather than all Rep)

D: ahh

Me: some states might split the electoral votes already, in fact – I think some do, but i’m not entirely sure
It’s a goofy system, but it’s the one we’ve got
and sitting it out…well, no personal offense, but I have no respect for people who voluntarily give up their right to have a say – my feeling has always been that if you don’t vote, you’ve got no right to bitch about the outcome

D: oh, i agree. while i might (and sometimes do) complain about how bush is an idiot, i have no right to do so since i didn’t vote for or against him

Me: lol (though I do like that you do bitch — means there’s more of a chance of your voting against him come november (which you should (dammit (grin)))) lol

D: LOL

Me: was that enough parenthesis?

D: very nice

Me: ty
if you’re really bored, I could look up some of my old soapbox rants about voting lol
i grew up in Alaska, where in many very real ways, my vote didn’t count
never stopped me, though

D: perhaps one day i’ll get informed and vote
maybe even this year
w’ll see

Me: you should

D: i know i don’t want bush in office again, but i don’t want to vote for just anyone, either
if you can find me a site that lays it all out in a clear, concise manner, i’ll read through it all and see if i can’t decide which person i feel would do the best job in office

Me: hmmm…not sure if there’s any one particular site…i’ll see what i can come up with, though

D: :)

Me: actually, mind if I blog this?

D: nope

Me: might be the easiest way…put out a call for suggestions

So, folks. Any suggestions for my friend?