Battleground Voters Weigh in on Economy
Hear what a focus group of Ohio voters has to say about the candidates.
Oct. 7, 2008— -- Along the farm country of Interstate 75, in one of Ohio's more conservative areas, voters sat down with ABC's Charlie Gibson to discuss the issues. From coffee shops to colleges, voters in the crucial state of Ohio are looking for relief from economic pain.
In Wapakoneta, the home of Neil Armstrong, the breakfast crowd, a quartet of small business owners at the Cloud Nine Cafe, was eager to talk.
Alan Davis, a father of three who works in agricultural insurance, described himself as a "solid McCain" supporter.
"Well, for me, it's the economic policy in Washington, especially as it relates to taxation and the small businessman," Davis said. "Having 10 employees, as a small business owner, I'm really concerned about that."
Ellie Archer, 62, who owns a company that makes Murphy beds, is also pro John McCain, and cites the economy as the No. 1 issue confronting America.
"I mean, there is no doubt about that," Archer said. "And it's hurting everybody. It is very, very scary, for the small businesses, especially."
During what she called a "perfect storm" of economic trouble, she said, "We need someone with experience."
Auglaize County leans Republican; it ran nearly 3-1 for Bush in 2000 and again in 2004.
While most are McCain voters, many remain torn.
Vanessa Lee, 37, an audiologist in Wapakoneta, drew a long sigh when asked about her choice. Though she has never voted Democratic, she says that this time she might.
"Do I have to tell you today?" she asked, laughing. "It would be tough. I would have to say probably McCain-Palin, but it would be really, really tight."
She likes Obama's health care plan.
"Health care is a big issue for me, as well as the economy," Lee said. "Health care is very important because I own a small business, as well."
Also torn is Dennis Borgert, who owns a bowling alley and says his preference shifted day to day.
"Today's Obama," Borgert said, adding that Monday was Obama, too, but before that, his vote is hazy.
Ohio voters overwhelmingly expressed concern about the economy and health care, which matches the overall national sentiment. In an ABC/Post poll last week, 53 percent called the economy the single-most important issue in their vote choice, with all other mentions in the single digits.
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