How much does a candidate need to shmooze the constituency

[liveoaktx]

versus living up to party ideals?
I'm perturbed right now about Chet Edwards, House Rep, TX. He has voted against the constitution (today he voted for the Pledge vote, for example) in line with Republicans and is apparently reluctant to advertise the fact that he is a Democrat. (The rep I have right now is Stenholm, who is a blue dog, doesn't vote the way I like, but at least he's always up front about it, it's hard to know until after Edwards has voted how he stands on an issue). It isn't that he doesn't have liberal views on other things, but he caves (in my opinion) when it comes to the wedge issues and I am certain he does it in order to not give Republicans ammunition against him in fundie Texas.
The issue I have is that I'm continually getting asked to work on his campaign and I am active working for Kerry. I write ads for the paper regularly, set up Dem meetings, have voter registration tables, and do some internet activities. So I'm not doing nothing, but I can't get enthusiastic about Edwards. I'm gonna vote for him, but it's sort of a hold your nose because his opponent, Arlene Wolgemuth, is worse. I have held back from talking about him except to the county chairman as I don't want to discourage anyone who wants to get out and walk for Chet, but I don't want to.
Anyone else have that type of situation?