By Davy James, Staff Writer
Prospective voters in Cranbury, Monroe and Jamesburg said the war in Iraq and the state of the economy are two of the most important issues facing the nation in the upcoming election.
Approximately 30 residents were interviewed from Monday through Wednesday about which candidates they support, with Sen. Barack Obama, D-Illinois, holding a slight edge over Sen. John McCain, R-Arizona, among people interviewed.
Jay Taylor, of Cranbury, said he plans on voting for Sen. McCain.
”I see McCain as being closer to the center so that is what affects my decision-making process,” Mr. Taylor said. “He is the less extreme of the two candidates. To me the economy and taxes is the most important issue. What Obama is proposing is similar to the way the state of New Jersey has been run and we’ve all seen the problems the state has had.”
Mr. Taylor said he has trouble deciphering which John McCain he’s truly voting for, but still has confidence in the direction he would take the country.
”I’m not a diehard McCain supporter because he has had a lot of different messages and it’s hard to see where he aligns today,” he said. “He’s gotten away from where he was in the Senate in 2000, but I have more confidence in McCain’s ability to handle the economy than Obama.”
Cranbury resident Jennifer Leimgruber said she supports Sen. Obama.
”I think he’s brilliant and I like the way his mind works,” she said. “Everybody seems so uptight about the tax issue and I’m well within the tax bracket targeted by his tax plan to pay more and I’m fine with that. There’s a lot of people in need and there’s going to be a lot more because we’re facing dark days. If I’ve got more than it’s the moral and right thing for me to share and that’s not socialism either.”
Cranbury resident Peter Wise is an Obama supporter who had campaign signs for the Illinois senator stolen from his lawn on South Main Street. He that kind of behavior is representative of the larger national campaign run by Sen. McCain.
”I think one of the problems in our country is hyper-partisanship and a lot of divisive behavior,” he said. “I think McCain and (Gov. Sarah) Palin have run a divisive and angry campaign filled with mean-spirited attacks. This is not the John McCain of old who was a bipartisan reformer because his campaign has lurched to the far right. He’s doing the kinds of things that were done to him by the Bush campaign in 2000.”
Other Cranbury residents polled who supported Sen. Obama said they believe he will bring fresh ideas to the White House and will bring about a better system of health care. Cranbury residents who support Sen. McCain said his experience and toughness is the deciding factor for them, feeling Sen. Obama has not served in the Senate long enough to warrant their vote.
Monroe residents polled who support Sen. McCain also felt experience is the most important quality.
”I think McCain is a straight-shooter and he’s more honest,” said Monroe resident Paula Mosher. “To me, taxes are the most important issue and I think McCain’s experience makes him the better candidate to deal with that issue.”
Monroe resident William Cook said he supports Sen. Obama because he thinks Sen. McCain will continue more of the problems the country has had over the last eight years.
”Obama is fresh and a change from the politics of George Bush,” he said. “The economy is the biggest issue facing the country right now and McCain will just put more money in the pockets of big corporations and rich people. Obama has the better ideas to fight the recession and take care of the middle class.”
Other Monroe residents polled who support Sen. McCain said they support his stance on the war in Iraq and his experience makes him best equipped to handle a crisis in foreign countries. Monroe residents polled who support Sen. Obama also pointed to a change from the Bush presidency as the deciding factor in their support.
In Jamesburg, residents polled were split between the two candidates with McCain supporters often pointing out his military experience as a deciding factor.
”McCain was in the military and he will be stronger with national security,” said Bryan Costman. “He knows you have to be tough to deal with terrorists.”
Other McCain supporters also pointed to his experience as the biggest difference between the two candidates.
”I think his experience will help McCain do a better job,” said Joe Costello. “The economy is the most important issue and I think McCain can do some good with it.”
Supporters of Sen. Obama said he has better ideas to deal with problems that may arise in foreign countries.
”Obama has a better plan for America than McCain,” said Randy Lawrence. “Obama is better equipped to deal with the war in Iraq. McCain just wants to keep that going and with him as president we’ll always be in disagreements.”
Other Obama supporters said the economy is of vital importance.
”McCain is more about rich people and Obama is more down to Earth,” said Marcus White.

