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.”

Dr. Steven Tauber, professor of political science at the University of South Florida
He’s voting for: “Of course, I am speaking for myself and not from my position as a USF professor, but, with that said, I am enthusiastically supporting Barack Obama.”
Why? “There are a number of reasons, but first and foremost it is essential that there be a Democratic president because the past eight years of the Bush/Cheney presidency have been a disaster on economic policy, foreign policy, and social policy. The United States needs to go in a significantly different direction. …I appreciate Senator Obama’s style.  Many people have criticized him for being too ‘professorial,’  but quite frankly that is exactly what the nation needs.  We have suffered through eight years of an intellectually uncurious president who thinks in the short term and operates on gut instinct (which is almost always wrong).”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I would tell people considering voting for John McCain that he is not the so-called ‘maverick’ that he claims or might have appeared to be in 2000.  McCain supporters should examine how John McCain has run his campaign, and they can see that his presidency would be no different than the Bush presidency. His selection of Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate is a perfect example of his ill-considered leadership style.  In order to satisfy the immediate goal of revving up the radical right-wing base of the Republican Party, McCain settled on an ethically challenged person who is totally unqualified for the office of vice president, much less president if anything ever happened to McCain.”
Local candidate who most interests him: “The most interesting and most inspiring local candidate is Phyllis Busansky, who is running as the Democratic nominee for Hillsborough County Supervisor of Elections.  The current occupant of the office, Republican Buddy Johnson, is incompetent and corrupt, and he has brought shame to Hillsborough County.”

Hannah Altman, high school student in Tampa and CL intern
She’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “His speaking skills? Sure, he’s an eloquent speaker – but that doesn’t cover the issues. The fact that he’s black? Well, Palin’s a woman and I don’t support her, so it’s not the diversity he represents. What it comes down to is his positions on issues that I feel important. If McCain had the same views I do, I’d vote for him! But he doesn’t.”
What she would say to a McCain supporter: “I hear people say McCain has ‘more experience;’ Obama’s ‘new.’ Both McCain and Obama have experience as senators. McCain has experience as a soldier and politician. Obama’s early experience took him to the streets of South Side, Chicago, working with the poor, helping them better their lives. I can relate to Obama; I think he can relate to the average American when he’s president in Washington.”

Charles Farrell, pianist, part-time resident of Tampa, currently living in Boston.
He’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “The Bush administration plunged the country into the most catastrophic state in its history. We’re in hopeless economic shape, we’re mired in a war that makes no sense and is incredibly costly, our civil liberties have nearly disappeared, our standing with the rest of the world has eroded to a justifiable point of contempt or ridicule, and our citizens have increasingly been reduced to two classes, rich and poor, with the majority falling into the latter category.
“Even a woman’s right to choice whether or not to have an abortion is under serious attack. John McCain blithely would continue along a path that has already brought the United States to the brink of near collapse. My vote is as much a vote against John McCain (as my last two votes were votes against George Bush) as it is a vote for Barrack Obama. That said, I do have a guarded sense of optimism about Obama. My sense is that he will set about mending foreign relations and will work both sides of the aisle in the Senate and in Congress.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “If they were wealthy, I might not try. If they weren’t, I’d suggest to them that under another Republican administration they risk losing their home, their savings and retirement funds, they won’t be able to afford decent health care, and they can forget about their kids’ college education. They’d better be a little careful about where they travel in the world too — not that anyone can afford to travel anymore.
“I’d add two final words that should send anyone who isn’t certifiably insane rushing to vote for the Democratic ticket: Sarah Palin.”

Eric Davis, artistic director of freeFall Theatre Company
He’s voting for: Obama/Biden
Why? “There are a lot of specific reasons. The overall general reason is that they represent a huge change from what has been leading us for the last eight years and I think we need that change desperately. I like his approach to how we solve the energy crisis. I like his commitment to health care. And of course his position on the war in Iraq is more in line with my view of that issue as well.”
What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I think that people who have decided are decided. I don’t think anyone could change my mind at this point, and I know there are plenty of people out there — plenty of people I know — who have decided to vote for the other ticket. Where this will be decided is among people who haven’t decided.
“Those people I know I would tell to go to factcheck.org — a non-partisan not-for-profit group at the University of Pennsylvania. All they do is take every single iota of what either of the campaigns are saying in any forum — debate, commercials  — and put up a detailed analysis. Instead of taking either side’s word for what the other side thinks, you get to find out from someone who’s non-partisan.
“In the arts the stereotype that’s often true is that artists vote on the Democratic side of things. But it’s not completely true. For instance I’ve worked at Disney —there were a lot of folks on either side. [But] in this particular election I see that Obama’s positions are more in line with most of my friends who are artists.”
Local candidate who most interests him: “Kevin Beckner [who is running for Hillsborough County commissioner against Brian Blair] is very interesting. His position on growth that is sustainable is very in line with my view of things.”

Pam Iorio, mayor of Tampa
She’s voting for: Barack Obama
Why? “Our country is faced with serious problems both domestically and abroad.  Our ever-growing deficit and debt threatens our future. We need a different kind of leader — someone who is thoughtful and looks for long-term, meaningful solutions to our problems. I have watched Senator Obama closely over the past two years. He clearly has the intellectual capacity, the ability to bring people together, an open mind to new ideas and a demeanor that inspires confidence. Further, his communication skills will help all Americans better understand our problems and the possible solutions.”

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Gus Muench, Tampa native and professional crabber

He’s voting for: “Not McCain! But [it] makes no difference who is elected. U.S. policies will not change. Too many people on the government payroll. Are we going to put them out on the street? I don’t think so!”

Why? “Republican policies. The Bush administration has acted as dictators in the world and USA.”

Local candidate who most interests him: Hillsborough County Commissioner Al Higginbotham. “Al has not sat on the sidelines, and he wants to know what is happening in the community and the environment. You’ll see the commissioner attending Chamber [of Commerce], Agency on Bay Management, county and community meetings. The commissioner is a big asset to Hillsborough County.”

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Dr. Gregory Comnes, a Hillsborough Community College professor of English, ethics and philosophy

He’s voting for: Barack Obama.

Why? “As an educator, I’m increasingly concerned that the decline in the level of  public discourse makes it increasingly difficult to solve the complex fiscal and environmental problems facing us. Throughout his campaign, Obama has presented his positions thoroughly and rationally without resorting to character assassination that panders to the lowest common denominator — mindless fear.”

What he would say to a McCain supporter: “When it comes to the Bucs or the Rays, I’m as ‘Joe Six-Pack” as the next guy.  In the realm of politics, however, where the problems are extraordinary rather than ordinary, I want my candidate to speak to me as
‘Joe Citizen,’ an audience Obama cultivates and McCain ignores.”

Local candidate who most interests him: “Phyllis Busansky, the democratic candidate for Supervisor of Elections in Hillsborough County. She’s smart, competent, and understands that the primary concern of the job is to provide stewardship of the voting process, not calculate how many grazing cows it takes to avoid paying property tax.”

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Randy Constan, guitarist, inventor and club habitué better known locally at “Peter Pan”

He’s voting for: Barack Obama

Why? “First, as a Christian, I’m disgusted with the overall Republican trend to legislate personal morality. I believe we should treat each other as equals and abstain from judging each other as much as we’re able. My ‘family values’ consist of helping those in need, funding education for children and medical care for everyone. And I want someone who sees such a philosophy as being our ‘brother’s keeper,’ rather than a collection of ‘entitlements’ to be continually cut.”

What he would say to an McCain supporter: “I’d ask whether they want another president who believes he’s always right on all things, who won’t consider other views. It has been said that for a president to admit error is political suicide. Yet Obama seems to possess both the vision to see the best course of action, the willingness to listen to all sides and the humility and courage to change course when a better path is revealed.”

Local candidate who most interests him: Hillsborough County Commission candidate Kevin Beckner, who is challenging incumbent Brian Blair. “I’m tired of the rampant overdevelopment of our natural wetlands, and to me, Blair seems much too well supported by land developers.”

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Dwight Lawton, Veterans for Peace activist

He’s voting for: Ralph Nader

Why? “Nader represents the only voice on the dangers of the military-industrial complex.”

What he would say to a McCain or Obama supporter: “Nader is the only person who is unaffected by the corporate lobbyists. He will not accept corporate contributions.”

Local candidates who most interests him: “Norman Roche for Pinellas County Commissioner and Janet Clark for Pinellas County School Board.”

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Jay Dolan, a financial adviser in St. Petersburg

He’s voting for: Undecided. “I am a bad stereotype of a flip flopper

Why? “Fiscally speaking I am a big McCain supporter. I think the country needs to significantly reduce spending but nobody has the guts to do it.  At the same time, however, he wants to cut taxes, which I don’t think we can really afford to do… at least not until we prove that we can actually cut spending.  He also lost significant ground with me by choosing Sarah Palin, which I believe was a 100% political move.”
“I think Obama instills a sense of confidence McCain does not have and that is something our country has been missing for some time now.  The amount of spending he wants to put into social programs scares me considerably. However, I think the ideological change in power might help the country move forward through our current crisis.

Local candidate who most interests him: “I must admit I have not paid much attention to the local races as most of my time lately has been spent talking to very nervous clients.”

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Tara Mae Brown-Ogilvie, St. Petersburg College student

She’s voting for: Barack Obama

Why? “Because he is pro-choice, wants to make changes to help out the lower class like such as with assistance in regards to healthcare for those who cannot afford it, and I like his leadership style. When he visited Dunedin before his speech, he simply went into a restaurant and ordered a hamburger and sat with everyone else; he just seems like a very down-to-earth guy who does not put himself before others.”

What she would say to a McCain supporter: “In this election McCain is constantly being outshined by his vice president candidate Palin’s actions or scandals. Just looking at the paper or on any news station the topic more likely than not is always on Palin more so than McCain and if he cannot take control of his own campaign how can he govern a country? Also did you know that he is against gay marriage, concerned only for the higher tax bracket, and wishing to continue this war overseas, which would only further destroy our already falling economy? So if you believe that Bush was a great president than sure, vote for McCain to follow in his footsteps, but if you want change, vote for Obama.”

Local candidate who most interests her: “I honestly am not aware of a local candidate to discuss.”

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Take the online survey yourself, after the jump.

Lorna Bracewell, singer-songwriter

She’s voting for: Barack Obama

Credit: Shanna Gillette

Why? “I was torn for a while between him and the Green Party candidate, Cynthia McKinney. It was my memory of the outcome of the 2000 presidential election when Bush ‘beat’ Gore in Florida by such a narrow margin that ultimately convinced me to support Sen. Obama. Unfortunately, at this time in our country a vote for a third-party candidate is a wasted one.”

What she would say to a McCain supporter: “I’ve had a series of great conversations with my dad (a longtime Republican and a McCain supporter) over the course of this election cycle. Early on our conversations focused on so-called ‘values’ issues: abortion, same-sex marriage, etc. My dad was generally sympathetic to my arguments. He’s a good guy with two daughters, one of whom is a lesbian, after all. More recently our talks have focused on economic issues. These, it turns out, are the crux of it all for him. It turns out my dad is a disillusioned liberal. He supported [Lyndon] Johnson and really believed in his vision of a ‘great society.’ When that didn’t pan out, he became a trickle-downer. What I’d say to a McCain supporter is what I’ve said to him: You’ve had your turn. Let’s give the other economic perspective a try. Things can’t get any worse.”

Local candidate who most interests her: “I am excited about Bill Heller for State Representative in District 52. He’s done a great job for the last two years championing smart public school and property tax reform. I am also supporting Jack Killingsworth in the [Pinellas] Supervisor of Elections race. Deborah Clark’s decision to cut the number of early voting sites in the county has had and will continue to have a disproportionate impact on low-income residents on St. Petersburg’s south side. I couldn’t disagree with her response to the budget cuts she had to deal with more.

“I know you didn’t ask … but I wanted to add an exhortation to everyone, Democrat and Republican, gay and straight, young and old to vote a stentorian NO on Amendment 2. Florida already has a legislative ban on same sex marriage. Traditional marriage is safe and sound in the Sunshine State. Amendment 2 would strip away existing health care and other vital protections relied upon by unmarried Floridians, gay and straight. It is bad public policy.”

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l.i.f.e, professional poet in Tampa

He’s voting for: Barack Obama

Why? “His vision for the future of the masses of people in this country is clear, logical, and more in line with the best interests of the masses of people here than any of the other candidates.”

What he would say to a McCain supporter: “I’d ask the same question Sen. Obama’s campaign has been asking, ‘Can us everyday people in this county afford four more years of government run with the same or similar policies as those that have caused people here, and around the world, distress and crisis?’”

Local candidate who most interests him: “The local candidate that interests me most is current Supervisor of Elections, Mr. Buddy Johnson. I’m also quite interested in the race between Doug Belden and Beverly P. Harris.”

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