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DAVENPORT, Iowa -
Many of today's elections don't require candidates to declare a political party affiliation but that still motivates some folks to visit the polls. Today we posed a question about that topic online and on the streets. News 8's Chris Williams has the question and reaction.
Do you want to have some fun at a polling site like the Scott County Administrative Center? Just hang out in the parking lot with a television camera and give people a chance to sound off about why they chose the political party they support. It's a question nearly everyone has some answer for but if you ask them to limit the explanation to 8 words or less you get some surprising responses.
"I'm just more in tune with Republican policies", said registered Republican Dick Weeks.
"I'm a Democrat", said Tom Richmond.
"Why", I asked.
Richmond responded, "People, people, people, people and four more peoples... party of the people."
Independent voter Judy Jones answered in five words, "I vote for the man."
It doesn't matter what party, coming up with a quick, short explanation for such a passionate topic can make even the staunchest party supporter freeze. The most popular answer we heard on the street showed that the choice of party had a lot to do with something you have very little say in deciding, your family. It was nearly impossible to explain that in just 8 words.
Republican Dick Weeks tried, " more conservative. My wife worked for Jim Leach."
"The way I was raised I just can't say I'm a Democrat", laughed registered Republican Paul Rohlf. "I've been accused by a friend of being a 'Closet Democrat' for years."
"I'm registered Democrat but I vote according to the people. I don't vote straight ticket", explained Bonnie Beechum.
"Why are you a member of the Democratic party then", I asked.
She replied, "I don't know, I just think it's from parents being members of the Democrat Party, you know, it's a tradition."
Republican Mary Ellen Evans answered, "Because there has to be a two party system in this country for our government to function well".
"Why not be a Democrat then", I asked.
"Well, because I feel more of a moderate appeal to government and education. I've always felt that way. Besides", she concluded with a laugh, "my father-in-law was Lieutenant Governor of Iowa." Mary Ellen's father-in-law, Kenneth A. Evans was in office from 1945 to 1951 and served in the State Legislature before that.
We also posed this question on our facebook page today. There's a lot less pressure when there's no camera in your face and you have a bit more time to think. Check out the link attached to this page if you want in on the debate. Comments can also be posted at the bottom of this page.
Do you want to have some fun at a polling site like the Scott County Administrative Center? Just hang out in the parking lot with a television camera and give people a chance to sound off about why they chose the political party they support. It's a question nearly everyone has some answer for but if you ask them to limit the explanation to 8 words or less you get some surprising responses.
"I'm just more in tune with Republican policies", said registered Republican Dick Weeks.
"I'm a Democrat", said Tom Richmond.
"Why", I asked.
Richmond responded, "People, people, people, people and four more peoples... party of the people."
Independent voter Judy Jones answered in five words, "I vote for the man."
It doesn't matter what party, coming up with a quick, short explanation for such a passionate topic can make even the staunchest party supporter freeze. The most popular answer we heard on the street showed that the choice of party had a lot to do with something you have very little say in deciding, your family. It was nearly impossible to explain that in just 8 words.
Republican Dick Weeks tried, " more conservative. My wife worked for Jim Leach."
"The way I was raised I just can't say I'm a Democrat", laughed registered Republican Paul Rohlf. "I've been accused by a friend of being a 'Closet Democrat' for years."
"I'm registered Democrat but I vote according to the people. I don't vote straight ticket", explained Bonnie Beechum.
"Why are you a member of the Democratic party then", I asked.
She replied, "I don't know, I just think it's from parents being members of the Democrat Party, you know, it's a tradition."
Republican Mary Ellen Evans answered, "Because there has to be a two party system in this country for our government to function well".
"Why not be a Democrat then", I asked.
"Well, because I feel more of a moderate appeal to government and education. I've always felt that way. Besides", she concluded with a laugh, "my father-in-law was Lieutenant Governor of Iowa." Mary Ellen's father-in-law, Kenneth A. Evans was in office from 1945 to 1951 and served in the State Legislature before that.
We also posed this question on our facebook page today. There's a lot less pressure when there's no camera in your face and you have a bit more time to think. Check out the link attached to this page if you want in on the debate. Comments can also be posted at the bottom of this page.
