Local voters weigh in on presidential election

PHILADELPHIA - September 19, 2012

According to the latest polls, President Obama is winning in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

"I'm okay with Obama. I think he's done well under all of the circumstances," said Roy Sanders of Overbrook.

Neither Barack Obama nor Mitt Romney are making rally appearances in our area and their TV ad money is being poured into battleground states like Ohio, Virginia and Florida.

Still, experts caution that Pennsylvania still bears watching.

"Most voters, supposedly, have made up their mind, but that does not mean they are locked in," said Randall Miller of St. Joseph's University.

"I voted for Obama in 2008 but I think it's going to be a tough election, very close. I think the debates are going to be key," said Jamie Vaughan of Center City.

Romney, in his uphill struggle, can still count on traditional base Republicans.

"I like Romney, the choice is pretty easy. We need someone who understands business," said Paul Adack of Valley Forge.

"I like Mitt Romney, especially because of his stance on abortion and gay marriage," said Matthew Renzi of Port Richmond.

Romney's secretly videotaped comments describing Obama supporters as a government-addicted 47% of the population, has riled the president's base.

"I was really surprised at the video that came out with Romney. I'm in shock, I can't believe someone would say that in front of people who is running for president," said Sally Davis of Wynnewood.

In the absence of the candidates or their running mates, the Delaware Valley is being saturated with surrogates. On Wednesday, Gov. Tom Corbett stumped for Romney while Mayor Joe Curtatone of Somerville, Massachusetts, campaigned for Obama in Philadelphia.

But, it's a sideshow for voters who remain focused on the top of the ticket.

"Obama's certainly attractive candidate," said John Alexander of Bryn Mawr.

"I think we need to give [Obama] another four years because I know he will continue to do what he's been trying to do, if only the Republicans would only allow him to do it," said Sherrie Kremens of Ardmore.

To win the election in November, a candidate needs 270 votes to win and a candidate would win 37 of those votes by sweeping Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

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