Interviews: Voters Split on Who to Vote For
Columbia (WLTX/AP) Voters appear to have had a tough-time making a decision in Saturday’s GOP primary, if some early interviews are to be believed.
Voters are casting ballots in the state for the “first in the South” Republican Primary. Saturday’s primary could be a pivotal vote in the GOP presidential race.
Light voter turnout has been reported throughout most of the state. Some counties have reported steady turnout in certain precincts. Some Upstate counties report voters are voting early to avoid possible late day weather issues.
As many as 90 percent of the electronic voting machines in one coastal South Carolina county did not work when polls opened in today’s Republican primary. Horry County spokeswoman Lisa Bourcier says 80 percent of the roughly 400 machines that failed to function were up and running by noon and technicians were working on the rest. She says officials had heard reports of voters being turned away because of machine failures, but had no idea how many.
The first four primaries and caucuses have failed to produce a clear front-runner, and that’s caused voters to spinter as far as support. We interviewed people after they cast their ballots, and we found that they had different reasons for supporting the candidates that they did.
Here’s a sampling of some of the opinions we received:
Tim Adams, a 41-year-old Columbia engineer, voted for John McCain. “I like his stance on security, both national and border security. And as someone who can get us through the war.”
He cited his military service record as a strength. He’s not looking for sweeping changes with the next president, though. “I’m looking for someone who can maintain industry in the country, and improve the value of the dollar.”
Mark Satterwhite, a 51-year-old Columbia salesperson, voted for Mitt Romney. “I voted for Romney, because I thought he was the best choice. His business experience is solid, and he seems grounded. He’s been married to the same woman for a long time, so his morals must be pretty good.” He’s looking for big changes from the White House, especially when it comes to the size and reach of the federal government. “I think the government’s been out of line, and it’s time to size down.” A candidate he specifically voted against was McCain. “He’s been around so long, and tied in so much to Washington.”
Barrie Kirk, a 45-year-old Columbia administrator, voted for McCain. “His views are closely aligned with mine.” She’s looking for some changes from the next leader, “but not a total shift in the country’s direction.” She voted specifically against Mike Huckabee, “because he doesn’t have a very worldly view.”
Warren Irvin, a 60-year-old Columbia real estate developer, voted for McCain. “He was the best of the choices.” A life-long Republican, Irvin didn’t have strong feelings about any of the candidates, or their prospects as president. “I voted because I wanted to, but I don’t think there’s gonna be any change in this country if a Republican wins.”
Dewitt Zemp, a 41-year-old Columbia consultant, voted for Huckabee. “In the White House, it boils down to tough decisions, and I think he has good guiding principles and solid core beliefs.”
Felicia Yokel, a 44-year-old Columbia child care director, voted for McCain. “He has experience, is a true American, he’s been to war, and has the right kind of spirit.” She says that sweeping changes in this country “aren’t what we need.” But, she said it was important to make improvements to the health care system, regardless of party. “He’s just the best,” she says.
Jan VanRoselt, a 47-year-old law student (first year) from Columbia, voted for McCain. He said McCain was the best choice, in part because of his military record. VanRoselt also specifically voted against Huckabee, because of a recent phone solicitation from his camp. “They said that McCain specifically advocated the use of babies in medical research. I though that was distorted.” He’s also looking for less “pandering, and for someone’s who’s more genuine and consistent. Someone who makes decision with moral conviction.”
Cherie Waggoner, a self-employed Columbia resident, voted for Ron Paul. “I’m looking for true change. We’re sliding back towards liberalism, and we need someone who believes in the constitution, and the direction that our fore fathers wanted this country to go in.” Specifically, she voted against Huckabee, because “Mike Campbell [who ran for S.C. Lt. Governor in 2006] stood behind him.” She says that even if Ron Paul doesn’t win, she’ll stay Republican and vote for McCain. “I respect McCain, and will vote for him based on his stand on immigration.”
Allen Fisher, a 57-year-old Columbia retiree, voted for McCain. “He’s the best candidate, and has the war record to back it up.” He wants the next president to foster a stable economy, and “give direction in the war.”
Polls opened Saturday at 7:00 a.m. and are open until 7:00 p.m. For more information on where to vote, visit SCVotes.org.