Article about W-B voters makes front of money.cnn.com (Scranton: middle-class, health insurance)

[Vinny536]

Voting their pocketbook

Tough times follow Pennsylvanians like Elizabeth James into the voting booth.

By Tami Luhby, CNNMoney.com senior writer
Last Updated: November 4, 2008: 11:36 AM


WILKES-BARRE, Pa. -- Barack Obama and John McCain have courted Lisa Hampton's vote for months, but the Kingston, Pa., resident still isn't sure which one she'll pick.
What she does know is how much the rising price of soda, steaks and natural gas is squeezing her family budget. The married mother of two grown girls rattled off the price of Coke, which now costs her $7 for a 24-pack, up from $5 only a few months ago, and of roast beef, which has jumped to $12 from $8.
While Hampton thinks McCain is stronger on national security issues, she believes Obama would do more to revive the economy and ease the burden of working Americans.
"He might actually help middle-class people more with his tax cuts," said Hampton, 46, who cleans offices in downtown Wilkes-Barre. "He would help people like me."
The presidential candidates' prescriptions for the weakening economy could prove the deciding factor on Tuesday with voters in crucial swing states such as Pennsylvania. Obama advocates tax relief for middle- and lower-income workers, while McCain says cutting taxes on businesses and the wealthy will create more jobs.
The economy is of top concern to 55% of Pennsylvania voters, according to a poll on Monday by the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. Obama is leading McCain 52% to 42% in the state.
Both candidates have lavished attention on the Keystone state in hopes of claiming its 21 electoral votes. The downtown Wilkes-Barre campaign outposts of both men were busy Monday, with volunteers walking the streets and making phone calls in support of their candidate of choice.
Area residents interviewed in this blue-collar, northeastern Pennsylvania city said their top concerns were bringing back jobs that pay well and combating the rising costs of just about everything.
The region had the state's highest unemployment rate in September. The economic downturn threatens Wilkes-Barre's nascent revitalization. Last month, the mayor unveiled a budget that would raise taxes by 31%, or $70 a year on average, to close a $2.5 million shortfall. On top of that, the city is cutting spending and may need workers to take unpaid days off.
It's all about jobs
The region won't turn around until there's more opportunity for young people, said John Bednarz, 55, an attorney with a private practice in downtown Wilkes-Barre. There just aren't enough good-paying jobs, which is why his two sons left the area to pursue legal careers.
While the economy is among his top concerns, he doesn't think either Obama or McCain has the answer to putting America back on its feet.
"It's a very difficult decision this time," said Bednarz, 55, who lives in nearby Shavertown. "I don't know if either candidate has set forth specifics that make people feel better one way or the other."
Richard L. Connor agrees jobs are a high priority, but the local newspaper publisher doesn't hesitate to throw his support behind McCain.
Obama's election could be "a death knell for free enterprise and small business," Connor wrote in a column Sunday in the Times Leader. "It is in these two sectors that job creation begins. And at this time in history we need more jobs and less welfare."
Cutting back
Wilkes-Barre resident Elizabeth James has had to break the news to her 11 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren that she won't be putting Christmas presents under the tree for them this year. James, who ships vitamins for a company in Hazelton, is feeling the pinch because she lost the overtime work at her company.
James, 62, is supporting Obama because she thinks the Democratic nominee would do the best job for the country and the economy.
Even local residents with good jobs said they have to cut back as prices rise and fear sets in.
Patrick Brice said he has cut back his spending even though he makes a fine living as a systems administrator for an area phone company. The Wilkes-Barre native says he's shelling out more for fruits, meats and health insurance. To combat the rising prices, he rarely eats out and has taken to buying meat in bulk and freezing what he doesn't immediately cook. He thinks the economy will get much worse before it gets better.
Brice, 40, knows many companies are in trouble because consumers like him have been pulling back. Pointing to the small retailers that line one of Wilkes-Barre's main streets, he said many could be hit hard if people stop patronizing them. And if that happens, it would mean more lost jobs.
This is one reason why Brice supports Obama. Cutting taxes on working Americans would allow them to shop more at their local grocers and retailers.
"All those people would go out and spend the money," said Brice, who is single. "That would support the businesses within this country."

Pa. voters weigh economic hardship on way to voting booth - Nov. 4, 2008

[W-B proud]

Wow! An article featuring Wilkes-Barre instead of Scranton in this election cycle?! I did'nt see that coming. Good article. Thanks for finding it.