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San Francisco has a well-deserved reputation for tolerance. But SFist's friends on the other side of the aisle have pointed out that while latex fetishists, Macintosh users and conspiracy theorists can feel free to express themselves openly in public, just try mentioning that you're a Republican. You get the cool, icy glares from anyone who overheard, and the sly wink and understanding frown from the guy across the room who shares your shameful secret.

Well, it's true, people, and you'd better come to terms with it. There are Republicans in San Francisco, and like any Americans, they don't always toe the line when it comes to the official party platform. Jennifer DePalma describes herself as a "big tent" Republican, and would like to point out that you don't have to vote for Nancy Pelosi if you want a pro-choice, fiscally responsible leader for Congress's 8th district. And you have to vote DePalma if you want one who rides a bike, speaks Korean and listens to Phil Lesh.

Ed. Note: We did our best to get in touch with our local candidates for office, and a select few were nice enough to respond to us! Our interviews have not been edited except for formatting - these are the candidates in their own words. Remember to vote!