Today we find out: Tampa Bay, who you voting for?
We’ll conclude our election series that looks at the opinions of a variety of people in Tampa Bay about who should be our next president. You can make your voice heard in two ways: take our unscientific survey after the jump and Get Out To Vote!
Paul Pelak, professional photographer and college educator in Tampa
He’s voting for: The registered Independent hasn’t yet made a choice. “I am still torn.”
Why? “My dad’s a Democrat because he’s a union carpenter. I have my own business, so I can see where the Republicans make a lot of sense. It’s a malaise. I think everyone is waiting for something that is not business as usual. You keep on hoping for an independent third party.”
Local candidate who most interests him? No one. “My time factor at work … has torn me away. I have not gotten into the local races because I feel they have the least effect on my life.”
T. Hampton Dunn, founder of [5]art gallery in St. Petersburg
He’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “Although there are a number of reasons, my current motivation is to vote against the possibility of President Palin.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “Can you really vote for a group that thinks nominating Sara Palin was a good decision?”
Local candidate who most interests him: “With everything else that’s going on in the world, local politics usually takes a back seat.”
Gregory Giordano, chief legislative assistant to state Sen. Mike Fasano
He’s voting for: John McCain
Why? “The life issue is very important to me, and I believe John McCain has a very solid record of standing for the rights of the unborn. As well, I believe he has the most experience, not only legislatively, but through his military and what it means to be a front-line soldier and what they have to experience and as commander in chief, I believe he would use his military experience to understand the needs of the soldiers on the front line as well as have the strategic or tactical understanding of being head of the worlds strongest military.”
What he would say to an Obama supporter: “I would suggest that an Obama supporter truly understand the background of that individual and how their experience would translate into the US. Does he have the wide-ranging experience to run the military, to understand the legislative process in grave detail? Does he have the experience as an executive? I would just encourage an Obama supporter to look at that, all the items, as well as make certain that the voters core beliefs in whatever issues life, taxation, health, match up with the positions that Mr. Obama has professed.”
