Sally Ryan

Essays: Missouri Voters

In politics, the adage says "As Missouri goes, so goes the nation." Since 1904, the state has voted for the winner in every presidential election, with the exception of 1956. In the spring of 2008, I traveled throughout eastern Missouri to find out what issues would drive the voters in this bellwether state.

Rising gas prices in small mid-Missouri towns, such as Freeburg, take a toll on many families' budgets. Voters in the state expressed their concern over the country's economic slump and are looking for a candidate who they believe is capable of winning in November.
   
Joe Wilson, a retired salesman from Jefferson City, is still undecided on who he'll vote for in Missouri's primary on February 5, 2008. "I don't have all the facts yet," he said. "The Clintons scare me to death. Obama, I kind of like him."
   
During their weekly gathering over drinks at R.T. Weiler's bar, Kyle S. Glover, 57, left, and John D. Bell, 55, discuss the presidential candidates. Both men are college professors and plan to vote for a Democratic candidate for president, though they are still deciding who to support in Missouri's primary on Super Tuesday.
     
  
Situated less than three miles from the geographic center of the United States, Edgar Springs, Missouri is home to Gene Blake, 67, retired chief of the Edgar Springs Fire Department. With fewer than 300 residents, funding for the town is low and Blake says the department could use a new fire engine.
   
Les VanNote of Edgar Springs, Mo., said that while some people were unsure whether the nation is ready for Obama or Clinton as presidential candidates, "I say, we shall see."
   
Les and Shirley VanNote lean toward the Democrats in presidential elections, but they said they are more concerned about who is elected to Congress. Their neighbor Jim McFarland, left, joined them for sweet tea in their home in Edgar Springs. McFarland likes to compare his appearance to that of forrmer Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein when he was found hiding underground.
     
  
Les and Shirley VanNote have 3.5 acres in Edgar Springs, and they live with two horses, two dogs and one cat. They both lean toward the Democrats in presidential elections, but they say they're more concerned about who's voted into Congress.
   
The Vienna Christian Assembly & Academy in Vienna, Missouri is led byPastor Don Kelley. Rural voters in the southwest part of the state said they were drawn to the Republican candidate Mike Huckabee because of his faith.
   
Linda Kelley, wife of Pastor Don Kelley, prays with another parishoner at Vienna Christian Life Assembly & Academy during Sunday morning service.
     
  
The Rev. Don Kelley, 62, of Vienna said he has yet to make up his mind in this year's race. He considers himself an independent voter, but certainly, he said, favoring pro-life candidates. In his church, Christian Life Assembly, where 80 people are members, he has been encouraging people -- not on who to vote for but to make sure to be "mindful of God when you go into that voting booth."
   
Grant W. Ponder, 95, a retired prison guard, showed off his dance steps at the Farmer's Cafe at the South Central Regional Stockyards in Vienna. Mr. Ponder said he will vote for Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton because he likes women. A St. Louis Post-Dispatch poll of Democratic voters showed Mrs. Clinton leading the Democratic race with 44 percent of the vote.