Why do leftists vote for pro-Iraq "Labour" candidates?

[BolivarianHero]

Are they that pro-US or are they really as politically illiterate as the average teabagger (an odd trait for the left)?

[muriel_volestrangler]

1. Because foreign policy isn't high on many people's priorities

Most people think nationally, or locally. And so they stick with the party that traditionally has been able to enact the leftish policies that matter to them. Part of that is that a Labour candidate stands a better chance of winning a traditional Labour seat, so left-wing voters wouldn't switch to the Lib Dems for fear of splitting the left(ish) vote.

If people thought the Lib Dems could win the election, a lot more would vote for them, according to a poll - see http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=191&topic_id=29682&mesg_id=29689

[LeftishBrit]

2. Because in many constituencies it's that or letting the Tory get in

Also, for most people, domestic and especially economic issues play more of a role in voting decisions.

ETA: It certainly does not reflect actual support for the Iraq war. Most Brits opposed this war, and Bush, from the beginning - by no means confined to leftists.

[Anarcho-Socialist]

3. the same could be asked of leftists who voted for hawkish US Democratic Senators

that the alternative is arguably much worse.