Hmmm.... poking around and trying to learn more about my Vermont candidates before I vote, I learned more about the candidate that seems to have started being Independent but wound up on the Republican ticket.
Here's his story:
https://rebirthdemocracy.com/liams-story-1
I like the idea that he's really a crossover candidate. He isn't a cartoon of the two sides. I have decided that I am going to go against the favored Democratic candidate for Congress and vote for this guy.
Does it mean I'm not playing the game strategically, because every vote for a Republican congressman is a vote for the GOP to take over the House? Yes.