Marco Island democrats are not found in high numbers, but those that exist are coming to one of two conclusions, and supporting republican presidential candidate Sen. John McCain is not among those options.
According to local democrats interviewed for this story, a write-in is more likely than a vote for McCain.
Sen. Hillary Clinton bowed out of the presidential race and endorsed rival Sen. Barack Obama, encouraging her supporters to do the same in a speech at the National Building Museum in Washington D.C. Saturday.
The decision left her supporters needing to make a choice.
Thirty-four percent of Marco Island residents are registered democrats, leaving the majority, 65 percent registered republicans and one percent independents. The democrats do not appear to be completely united yet on their candidate, but many said they would support Obama, especially if he chooses the right vice president.
“It’s an ideological thing. I don’t believe in the republican thoughts on the economy and the war. (Obama) may be a little less than an experienced candidate, but we do need a change from the Reagan and Bush economics. We have to continue with the democrats. Obama won the primary and we have to move on,” said resident Jim Erb.
Communications director of the Collier County Democrats Club Rose Ann Sharp said it’s part of the club’s charter to support the leading democrats.
“We’re getting behind Obama,” Sharp said, adding that women democrats who supported Clinton are getting out the “Women for Obama” bumper stickers.
Not all registered democrats are making the transition from supporting Clinton to supporting Obama, at least not yet.
“I will not vote for Obama unless he picks (Clinton) up for VP,” said Donna Crossan.
Crossan said she worked at the White House as a secretary in the 1960s, stayed engaged in Washington politics and having met Clinton could not easily back anyone else.
“Obama, I don’t trust. I don’t know any of my democrat friends who will vote for him as it stands now,” Crossan said, adding that it depends on Obama’s next moves.
Regardless of what comes out about Obama, Crossan said she won’t vote for McCain.
“It depends who (Obama) picks for the vice president because he can’t do it himself. I might just write Clinton’s name in,” Crossan exclaimed.
Steve Hemping, elected as Chairman of the Democratic Party of Collier County last week, said a write-in campaign might not be successful.
“I’m not an attorney, but I’d think a write-in campaign would be even more difficult than running as an independent,” Hemping said.
Hemping said that within his home there was a slight difference of opinion between Obama and Clinton, but the Democratic Party will unite – in his home and throughout Collier County.
“My wife was an avid supporter of Hillary. I could have gone either way. The democrats brought two great candidates forward, but only one could win. We will now unite for the good of the country,” Hemping said.
Crossan said her support of Clinton has nothing to do with gender.
“She’s smart. She’s strong. Listen to her,” Crossan exclaimed.
Some of Clinton’s supporters are listening. They are doing as Clinton suggested in her speech Saturday and pledging to vote for Obama.
“I’m going to follow Hillary’s lead with the same graciousness and support that she verbalized Saturday,” said resident Shirley Cohen.
Cohen said she will support Obama and does not find the transition difficult.
“Actually, I started thinking about Obama weeks ago. I could see the writing on the wall. The great thing about Obama is that he is so bright he will listen to advice and direction,” Cohen said.
Resident Paul Vogelsang said he also switched from supporting Clinton to Obama when Obama was leading in delegates.
“I think Obama and Clinton agreed on a lot of the issues. Obama proved he can run a big organization,” Vogelsang explained.
Obama has other Marco Island supporters, including resident William Laimbeer Sr., father of the former NBA basketball player of the same name. Laimbeer was a Clinton campaign contributor and strong supporter, and will stick with the democrats over the republicans.
“I’m a very liberal democrat. I will support Obama because he motivates the young people. The young people, the college kids will get out the vote and they’ll work for him. I’ll encourage Marco Island democrats to do the same,” Laimbeer said.
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Comments » 7
ejburger writes:
Do we really have this many Democrats on Marco Island?
happyonmarco writes:
For all of our sakes I hope all Clinton supporters vote for McCain.....Obama is a scary dude!
Avenger writes:
Well, the current repuglican administration has certainly done a "heck of job" over the past 7.5 years. So I can see why the two posters above would more of the same with McCain.
Semper_Fidelis writes:
Barrack Osama Obama (bin Laden), The downfall of the United States of America. I want a Commander in Chief that salutes the flag or puts his/her hand on their heart during the National Anthem. I want a Commander in Chief that loves our National Anthem and flag, not one that despises what it stands for.
Obama may very-well be the anti-Christ. He is the most liberal (socialist) politician alive; he makes Kennedy look conservative. Its ashamed Hillary is no longer in the race. The Dems made a huge mistake by not giving her the nomination.
Barrack is like a drug to young voters and Hollywood loudmouths. God help us!
SmokeyJoe writes:
Beowulf..... Thank you for your history lesson but I still will hold my hand over my heart during our National Anthem. When I was in the service we all saluted our flag during the Anthem. No one should ever be lectured for showing any form of love for our Country.
maharg writes:
When you are a Marine and you are taught to kill the enemies of your COUNTRY, it's hard afterward to accept criticism of the current GOVERNMENT of that country. The Military can not question their civilian leaders in this country, they must obey them or resign if they can. My Country, Right or Wrong is their creed. So be it. It is NOT unpatriotic to criticize the GOVERNMENT of our country. Sadly to say, that is impossible in many countries. If Semper_Fidelis was a Marine, he should realize that he served to protect the right to criticize our GOVERNMENT.
Avenger writes:
maharg, I served a lot of years as a soldier, and I know the Army, and the other armed forces DO NOT have a “creed of My Country, Right or Wrong.” There is an oath that everyone enlisting in the Army swears or affirms; I share with you below:
"I, _____, do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic; that I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same; and that I will obey the orders of the President of the United States and the orders of the officers appointed over me, according to regulations and the Uniform Code of Military Justice. So help me God." (Title 10, US Code; Act of 5 May 1960 replacing the wording first adopted in 1789, with amendment effective 5 October 1962).
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