As you've probably heard by now, Christine O'Donnell, a Republican congressional candidate in Delaware (who also happens to be a Sarah Palin pick and Tea Party fan-girl), seems to have forgotten about her many visits to Bill Maher's Politically Incorrect television show.

Well, Mr. Maher hasn't forgotten. Now the host of HBO's Real Time with Bill Maher, he's pulling out the old footage to refresh everyone's memory. This past Friday, he aired a clip where Ms. O'Donnell says that she "dabbled" in witchcraft. Maher, who spoke to O'Donnell through the camera, told the candidate that he "created" her right before promising to pull out clips from his old show, featuring her blathering bullshit, every week until she agrees to stop by for a visit ... which will be aired on his new show.

O'Donnell hasn't said much publicly since Friday, but she did abruptly cancel her appearances on other TV shows, like Face the Nation.

Now, we all know if Hilary Clinton went on national TV and said anything about witchcraft the media and Internets would descend on her like a vampire on a virgin. But, since we're talking about a conservative Christian, not a liberal Democrat, what I'm seeing fly through sites, like Twitter, is, "But she's changed ..." That's fine and good and, frankly, I don't care. What I do care about is this: The separation of church and state.

I don't care what, if anything, our politicians worship so long as they're fine, upstanding citizens capable of critical thinking who aren't seeking office to pad their, or anyone else's, pockets. We need leadership that's focused on what's best for everyone. Limiting political leadership to one religious group is, well, un-American. In my view, it's great to have lots of perspectives at any table where decisions are being made. So who cares if O'Donnell, or anyone else, is a pentacle carrying Wiccan or a pentagram carrying Satanist? It shouldn't matter in a country touting religious freedom as a basis for its very existence.

Listen folks, we've got to get past this idea that we should go into the voting booth and press one button. We shouldn't be voting for parties, we should be voting for individuals. Now, O'Donnell has said a lot of kooky things, and I'm not saying anyone should vote for or against her. I'm simply asking you to look beyond the soundbites and beyond party affiliation and vote for the people who are genuinely interested in making our towns, cities, states, country and world a better place for everyone.

We have an election coming up. If you're not registered to vote, get on it. Now's the time to look into our candidates' platforms. Got a question about where they stand on an issue that's important to you? Call them or send them a message via e-mail, Facebook or Twitter; they're more accessible than ever these days thanks to social media. And, choose wisely. Just because someone has your favorite mascot on their banner doesn't mean they're the right person to elect. Learn more about the upcoming election from the N.C. State Board of Elections.

By the way, Wicca is a peace- and nature-loving religion. Learn more about it from ReligiousTolerance.org. I don't know much about Satanism, but that group also has a website if you're interested in continuing your religious studies past what's taught within the confines of your own sanctuary.

In case you missed it, here's a grainy clip from Friday's Real Time with Bill Maher where he outs Christine O'Donnell's witchy ways:

Rhiannon "Rhi" Bowman is an independent journalist who contributes snarky commentary on Creative Loafing's CLog blog four days a week in addition to writing for several other local media organizations. She will be a guest on WFAE's "Charlotte Talks" program Sept. 23rd where she'll discuss coal ash. She'll also be live-Tweeting from TEDxCharlotte Sept. 24. Additionally, she's on the steering committee for the Greater Charlotte Society of Professional Journalists. To learn more, click the links or follow Rhi on Twitter.