A political party is only a tool. The ignorant and sub-educated people who rely on propaganda rather than thinking for themselves probably vote democrat because daddy and grampa voted democrat. Tea Party people are independent thinkers who would support democrats if there was any hope for them but they work within the republican party to try to get better candidates. It's a waste of a vote to support a 3rd party candidates so you do the best you can and vote for the basic agenda that best supports your core values.
A vote for a third party is never a wasted vote.
If that is who you wanted, then you voted for that person.
A wasted vote is one that is not cast.
People lose elections not because someone voted third party, but because they did not earn enough support.
Lets be very clear about this.