With the election of the nation’s 44th president steadily approaching, The Times and Democrat sought the thoughts and opinions of some local voters.

Andrea Green of Orangeburg believes the election is important because of issues like the struggling economy and college tuition costs. She is supporting Sen. Barack Obama.

“Most of the things he has said has caught my attention. It’s important to me this year. Usually I don’t vote. ... I think things need to be changed.”

Jay T. Nettles of Wolfton says Sen. John McCain’s selection of Alaska Gov. Sarah Palin as his running mate has made him feel 100 percent better about the Republican ticket. He thinks America needs to worry about itself instead of other nations.

“We’ve got people homeless and starving right here on our streets but we’re worried about Iraq,” he said.

Chuck Emanuelli of Bamberg is an undecided voter who says this election features some good choices.

“I’m still undecided. I’m looking at everybody very carefully to see what they have to offer,” he said.

South Carolina State University football player Tim Brown is leaning toward Obama because of his positions on gas prices, education and the war in Iraq.

“Bush did a horrible job. We need someone to push forward with lowering gas prices and pulling our troops out of the war because we’re fighting a no man’s war,” he said.

Orangeburg resident Melissa Nettles is supporting McCain because she said Obama lacks experience. She is also attracted by Palin being on the ticket.

“I love his vice president,” she said. Nettles noted the campaign has generated a lot of excitement and, “there are going to be a lot of changes no matter which way it goes.”

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