With Election Day less than a month away, the economy, education and national security were among the top items of concern among local voters attending a Republican/Democratic Party political forum Sunday evening.

South Carolina State University freshman John Harvey says he has four years of tuition payments facing him.

“I am from a low-income family,” Harvey said. “I hope we can make school more affordable not just for me but for everybody else who is paying for college.”

Harvey says just living day-to-day with high gas prices and the rising price of food has proven difficult. But he hopes Democratic Party presidential candidate and Illinois Sen. Barack Obama will be able to right the sinking ship.

“He understands the issues now,” Harvey said. “McCain is more of a conservative but I think we need change and I think Obama has the power to make those changes that America needs.”

Jeanette Jeffrey would not divulge where her presidential vote would go.

“The most important issue for me is to get the right person in to protect our country,” she said, noting that education reform and Wall Street corruption are also issues of concern. “It is important that our government uphold what the people of the United States want.”

Marvin Taylor, an S.C. State junior, pointed to the economy as issue number one.

“We see how it is affecting the stock market and the middle class is struggling,” he said.

Taylor says the war in Iraq is related to the economy because billions are being spent there instead of on American people who are struggling.

“Obama talks about the issues,” Taylor said, giving his support to Obama. “It is not about gender and race. We are all Americans.”

Roy Lindsey, Orangeburg County Republican Party executive committeeman, says McCain brings military experience to the executive office that’s crucial in this violent world.

“We have to win in Iraq and we can’t cut and run,” he said. “If we cut and run there, we will cut and run somewhere else.”

Lindsey cited McCain’s “maverick” reputation, as well as his ability to challenge and get along with both parties.

“He has experience, knowledge and a willingness to bring people together,” he said.

About 50 gathered for Sunday’s forum at Trinity United Methodist Church. About 19 political leaders were invited to attend, but less than half were able to, although most sent representatives.

The forum was sponsored by the Orangeburg graduate chapters of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Phi Beta Fraternity, Trinity United Methodist Women and the Orangeburg Branch of the NAACP. The Claflin Choir performed at the gathering.

In addition to getting the chance to meet political leaders, voters were able to hear from the chairs of both parties about why they should vote either Republican or Democrat.

Zachary Middleton, an S.C. State student, encouraged youth to get out and vote.

“What is a mouth without a voice?” he said. “What is freedom without a choice? We have been given an ultimate gift, but yet we do not use it. A paved pathway, however we refuse it.”

T&D Staff Writer Gene Zaleski can be reached by e-mail at gzaleski@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5551.

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