On March 4th Texas primary voters will have their chance to weigh in on the most wide-open Presidential election in decades. Voters will also choose party nominees for important local and statewide offices.
KERA wants to know what's important to you this election year. What matters most when you cast your vote? What issues do you want the candidates to address? What will a candidate have to do to win your support?
Be part of Election 2008 - A KERA Voters Voice Project. Email your opinions, concerns and your photo to ELECTIONS@KERA.ORG. If you are undecided on who to support, tell us why.
We'll post your comments on this website and interview some contributors for our public radio broadcasts.
Official Republican sites:
John McCain
Ron Paul
Mike Huckabee
Official Democratic sites:
Listener Input:
Indu Varadhan
Nancy Sommerman
Ann Thompson
Carle Greenwood
Ngozi Nwosu
Stephen Matthews
Ulysses Labilles
Bonni Brophy
Jac Alder
Judith Hedges
Chelsia Phang
Jakin Vela
Colin Hogan
Ashley Winder
Ben Wells
Tracy Kohler
Niki Bowden
Linda Hurley
George Teneyck
Nicole LeBlanc
Nina Collins
Stephen Matthews - Bedford: "In recent elections we often heard people say "it's the most important election or our generation" and they were usually talking about supreme court nominees. I think this election that comment is true. However, the importance of this election reaches far beyond supreme court nominees. I believe the best thing that any candidate can do for our country is to help change our collective mood and the tone of politics. This is not a political ad for Senator Obama, but he seems to be the one candidate who fully understands this. The word "change" has been tossed around like the word "values" in recent elections and it can become tiresome, but the difference this time is, it has substance. If we can change our mood about the economy, the environment, the war, health care and all the other issues that drive us, we can move out from under this pessimistic cloud of cynicism that has overcome our country. "Jakin Vela: "I stayed away from politics for most of my life because I thought people just lied to you to get you to believe in what you wanted to hear. And then, once they had your vote, they'd just go and change their minds. But then again, I never really researched or took my time to understand what each candidate was all about. I do know that I am a very liberal person, a social liberal, so my views would most likely not coincide with that of a conservative politician. Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender rights - that is my biggest concern right now. Hillary has always been a GLBT friend, and I think the youth right now understand the concept of social diversity and acceptance. So, even though I don't know that much about politics, I know who is not going to represent me, as an individual here in America, and I think that is the most important thing about choosing a politician."Chelsia Phang: "My parents are immigrants from Malaysia and my mom supports Hillary. She feels like Hillary's overall plan is going to be more successful. I also think, being part of an older generation, she has things that cater to my mom's generation. But, I guess for me, it's not really a specific issue. I'm just looking for a candidate I can have faith in and trust and who will make the country a better place. So, even though he doesn't have the most experience, compared to the other candidates, I think Obama would do the best as our President. I feel like he has the integrity to keep us on track and to make sure we do the right thing. "Colin Hogan: "Mitt Romney was my favorite at first, but I guess John McCain would be second best. I really actually like Obama. I really trust him more than anybody, but in terms of the policies and stuff, I would favor McCain. I'm looking more at who is going to have the best economic policies in terms of tax rates for jobs and stuff like that. I think Obama definitely has a lot more youth appeal, but I try not to buy into the latest crazes - and I'm not dismissing Obama and Hillary as that at all. I'm just saying that is sort of what the trend seems to be right now. I think the whole game of politics is exactly that - it's a game. And I think it is interesting that all the candidates are sort of portraying themselves as really extreme right now. Clinton and Obama are saying they are so liberal and McCain and Mitt Romney are saying they are so conservative. But as soon as they pick the nominee, it is a race to the middle. They are going to appeal to the independent voters and the moderates."Ben Wells :
"I think the issues that are most important to me are the candidates' stances on science and technology, as well as education. As a young person studying those, they are important to me and also to the future of our nation. The youth are really coming out in force. I think one thing that is interesting to notice is that the youth have often been relegated to door-knocking and phone-calling for political campaigns. I think that is changing and campaigns are starting to realize that the youth are really the movers and shakers. I think the candidate, like Obama, that is harnessing the youth will really come out ahead. Our parents' generation is more concerned with the immediate issues - social security and whatnot. For us, there are bigger issues with globalization - and science and technology and global warming are obviously all issues we will have to face when they are long gone. I'd encourage all young people who care about the world and the future and our economy and out country to get out the vote - not to sound cliche ."Tracy Kohler: "I do not even know where to begin with this upcoming election. There are so many different issues that deeply concern me and to tell the truth, I do not feel that there are ANY candidates that are capable of fully addressing and rectifying the problems of our once great nation. I want to see our next president focus on immigration, education, national healthcare coverage, and I really would just love it if SHE/HE would be able to get the support needed to impement new programs with incentives for giving back to your community and country. We need to rehaul our government and do all that we can to instill the "Proud to be an American" mantra in our youth. The youth today do not feel that same pride like they did pre-Vietnam War days. I am only 35 yrs old but I see how we have steadily declined and how less and less involved our youth has become. I recognize the importance of diplomacy and the need to have good relations with the rest of the world, but rather than funneling funds by the fistful to other countries, let's do something about cleaning up our own. It is downright shameful when you see the homeless and the hungry wandering our streets and the majority of Americans are more concerned with racing to wait online to drop $600 for a new PS3 or IPhone. What has our country become? Our pockets are being raped at the gas pumps as we shell out $3 a gallon for gas and everywhere we look there are signs of global warming. Yet we still do not recognize the error of our ways and people are driving around in suburbia with freaking HUMMERS!! Why yes, instead of tearing down and rebuilding on an existing piece of land, lets go and tear down more trees and destroy more natural habitat so we can have yet another Starbucks or McDonald's or perhaps another Walmart! The same can be said about housing developments. Rather than renovating a declined part of town by knocking down the deteriorated houses and buildings, we would rather clear the lands and build new. REUSE AND RECYCLE can not be stressed enough. My husband and I both strongly feel that we need to do something to remove, yes, I said remove as many illegals as possible. We live in Dallas and see on a daily basis what is happening to the city and state due to the steadily increased population of illegals. This is not a specific stab against Mexicans, but at illegals as a whole. Because there are so many illegals, many are driving without licenses and insurance which drives up the rates for the rest of us, they do not have medical insurance and hospitals like Parkland are hurting financially, which has a negative impact on others who seek treatment at that facility and others like it. Do not even get me started on crime!! As a whole, our nation is failing economically, our schools and level of education has faltered and been failed by government officials cutting school budgets and our youth, the future of this country is being short changed. Our national average test scores still fall below those in other countries. Teachers are seriously underpaid and many are frustrated with being forced to go out of pocket on supplies for their classrooms because there simply is not enough funds budgeted and the students parents are either financially restrained from being able to provide them or do not care to keep up with their kids. Many parents today treat school like a babysitting institute and are not involved in their kids educational career enough because they are too busy working one and two and in some cases three jobs just to support their family. Instead MTV and Playstation and their friends are helping to raise our kids and instill values and morals. When our youth look to people like Fifty Cent and Kanye West or Britney Spears and Paris Hilton as role models you know we are in trouble. I know with certainty that should Hilary Clinton be the Democratic nominee, she will get my vote. I do not think she will make it to the actual elections though which means my vote will be cast for John McCain. I simply do not have faith in Obama's ability to lead this country. He is not experienced enough and I do not think that he will represent what is important to me. Yes, he is going on and leading with "CHANGE" but how? What are his plans? I do not believe that he will be able to turn this country around and do believe that many are simply jumping on the bandwagon and supporting him. That won't be me. This was not well writ and many points could have been presented better but I am in a hurry and the gist of it is there. These are my opinions, be that what they may."Niki Bowden: "As to judgement and leadership: If Hillary were elected and ran the country like she is running her campaign - well, enough said."Indu Varadhan: "I would like to support the democratic party and my choice is Hillary. I think Obama is a one hit wonder . He got lucky with the Iraq War vote. I am not able to see any facts to support that he has achieved anything major. He is a great Orator no doubt, when it comes to walk the walk, I have a lot of doubt."Nancy Sommerman: "I am undecided but leaning toward Barack Obama. I am looking for integrity, honesty, and wisdom. I want someone who believes in and diligently works for women's reproductive rights, civil liberties, and social justice. I want someone who supports and diligently works for human rights and peace. I want a leader who knows what is broken and knows how to implement the necessary changes. I want to be able to trust their decisions. I will trust a leader that has utilized all the resources at their disposal and has had the matter exhaustively explored and bases their decisions on sound practices and not on ego, popularity, or outside influences. It is interesting that I find John McCain and Mike Huckabee men I can respect. They have integrity and are men of honor. However, they are on opposite sides of just about everything I am. I don't trust either Clinton, especially Bill. He would be in the way, trying to influence and possibly interfering with any good Hillary and her administration would do. And her poor Vice President would definitely be overshadowed, just as she overshadowed Al Gore. I don't want anymore of Bills bad behavior occurring in the White House again. And 9/11 didn't get formed and planned just during the short time George W. Bush became president. There must have been something about our policies during the previous years that caused the hatred to putrefy. It will be a tough choice for me if Senator Clinton is the Democratic nominee. McCain's integrity may win over the ideals of the Democratic Party. I believe Barack has the same ideals as I do but I'm worried that he doesn't have enough muscle to accomplish much. I wish the Democratic Party would become a think tank and utilize all the good ideas that the other former Dem. presidential candidates like Edwards and Kucinich had and incorporate them in a platform implementing legislation now that will lay the ground work for health care reform, education reform, environmental issues, inequality, issues of poverty, criminal justice issues, and human right violations; to name my most important issues. I also wish there was a candidate who has or is spending their time and all their staff and supporter's time working on this, so we can see how they act now and not have me vote for them based on promises and hope. All I have to go on now is their past. They are trying to convince me that they have been working on these issues, but I find them lacking. They have spent more time and money on trying to convince me of my vote, than all the time and money spent on solving but one of these issues. I wish our legislators worked as hard on the issues as they do on their campaigns. I want to see and hear from my legislators when they have issues they support and legislation they propose and not just when they want re-election. For too long, too many of us have left it up to our elected officials to run the country the way they see fit, unchecked and held unaccountable. It is us, the voters who are at fault for letting it go for so long without being involved. I appreciate this opportunity to voice my opinions. "Ann Thompson: "I would like to hear a candidate that motivates the electorate to become independently educated on all sides of the issues rather than relying on hearsay, commercials and cable/network news. "Carle Greenwood - Dallas: " The presidential candidate I will support will have demonstrated a strong intellect well-steeped in our Constitution and history and world history up to the moment, in science and the truth of evolution and evidence requiring action on global warming, in governmental and global economics and their intersections with personal finance issues. Protection of a woman's right to life and to a safe, however rare, abortion, and to readily available and affordable contraceptives for men and women, and protection of every person's right to die according to their own directives are fundamentally humane concerns I expect them to have. Worthy candidates will speak and act with honesty and integrity in making campaign promises, in conducting the government accountably, keeping complete records of all manner of communications, and will realize their responsibility is to all citizens, not just their cronies, financiers, and partisans. They will avoid conflicts of interest and will not add signing statements to legislation. Upholding the Constitution, they will not devote taxpayers' money to religious causes. A wise candidate will restore the balance of powers required by our Constitution and upheld until this decade. A patriotic candidate in fact, rather than by self-assertion, will plan to undo the recent concoction of a unitary, dictatorial, subversive presidency and will undo infringements on individual rights. A worthy candidate will engage in diplomacy (without which the U.S. would have been stillborn) and will make and honor international treaties. The exercise of soft power will have priority over committing wars of aggression. The next president must mind the store and keep honest, current books, cutting agency-gutting procedures and partisan-serving projects. Our next leader must see that the Hatch Act is reviewed and enforced throughout the government. Corporations are the chief beneficiaries of tort reform; the losers are wronged workers, consumers, and the elderly. Candidates touting such reform plan thereby to reward corporate lobbyists. Voters must be wary of fixes which undo them. A worthy candidate will wisely seek the counsel and deliberation of experts of overlapping areas of interests to find solutions together (economists, energy scientists and producers, and environmentalists, for instance). Reaching solutions through bi-partisan action should be the intended norm. Under no circumstances, will our next president violate the Constitution by moving us toward a theocracy (the antithesis of a freedom-for-all democracy). Candidates who primarily meet a religious litmus test (which was an error not to be indulged according to America's founders), have sexual matters of all gender orientations in the forefront of their thinking when they should have as their priorities far broader, far more urgent and appropriate concerns, such as reviving America's democracy, solvency and prosperity, and achieving integrity in government and reasonable security for all our citizens. Candidates who have been active negotiators of issues and votes in government or have made decisions involving education of self and others and deliberation with varied stakeholders are all likely to approach the presidency with common sense and a high level of reasoning regardless of age, being in or out of the Beltway, or being a man or a woman. Integrity, intelligence, and viewing governance as an accountable responsibility owed to the public's well being (rather than a trust me while I plunder our country's wealth and treasured lives to secure what I covet) is what we have always needed in a presidential candidate."Ngozi Nwosu: "I'm a working mother of three young children. Adequate Child care is very difficult for me. Finding a working environment that will accommodate and understand the needs of a working mother is even more difficult. Employers are quick to threaten mothers with suspensions and terminations when they need time off for their children's needs. Moreover, many young working mothers are systematically passed over for promotions and raises every day in the work place due to a stereotypical view that having children makes them less productive. In countries like the UK, Nigeria, Bosnia and many more, working moms are given nothing less than six months off paid leave for a new born child with job security guaranteed. Here in the US, only 12 weeks is backed by the the Feds and your job or your income is not guaranteed. How can we build a future in America where children and families come last and money and profit first. Most women in America, now have children and work at the same time; if a working mother's bill of rights is not set up to protect our families and children's future, mothers will start quiting their jobs. If they have to choose, family incomes and stability will decrease and our children, who are the leaders of tomorrow will face a difficult future. What can any of the candidates, both democrats and republicans do to seriously address this issue that affect every young American family today. Which candidate will be willing to set up or sign a "Working mother's bill of rights " when the are elected as president of The United States of America. "Ulysses Labilles: "The real impetus of change is our openness to accept the evolution of our common conviction that it is not about what a party could do for our country, but what we could do together as a nation. We need a candidate who understands and recognizes the urgency to resolve problems that divides America and slowly crippling the trust of our people to our government. Some say that change is nothing but a senseless romantic idealism we shall not forget that change is what made America great. Without change we will be trapped again in the patterns of the past-the lies and false promises of old politics. We shall not forget that it was twoscore and seven years ago when John F. Kennedy initiated the revolution of change; and with Barack Obama-together we will carryon the fight for change. Through his leadership-a new breed of citizens, the new American Majority will be galvanized to carry our nation forward. Barack Obama will be the strength of people of all ages, of all races, of all genders, of all parties and faiths. It is time now for healing and change. Healing and change, symbolizing an end as well a beginning signifying the renewal of our spirits and our beliefs that we can that we can still make this country great again."Bonni Brophy: "As a woman of a certain age, as my adult children put it, I want to see Hillary Clinton succeed in getting the Democratic nomination. Sadly, I also feel that as a Clinton, she will continue the path that we have been on for the past 16 years. And she will probably be swift boated brutally in the general election. I personally have fought the good fight to open doors in my professional life in a male dominated field. I was subjected to innuendos and outright lies about me personally as well as the entity that I was creating. I have moved into another arena and am happy with what I am able to accomplish without the emotional toll of the past. As a pragmatic independent voter, I watch the enthusiasm of the Barack Obama crowd, and would love to see that translated into political action that could breathe new life into our political system. If , and that is a big if, with the political system that is already entrenched, Obama could lead the country into a new dynamic future with real hope for the majority, not just the chosen few...wow! Now that is exciting. I believe the John McCain is a good man, but his time is past. Change of some kind is needed in America and needed now. The voters are expressing that in the primaries. Finally, I am happy that after so many years of my vote having no effect on the national election, that in 2008, we independent Texans matter again. I try to channel the spirit of Ann Richards in this. She said to keep asking questions, don't just accept what politicians are telling us."Jac Alder: "Hooray for Texas finally getting listened to in a primary. When did that last happen? It excites me to get to cast my vote in this election in part because I feel I get to vote FOR someone instead of against someone. Obama gives me back hope for my country."Judith Hedges - Arlington: "There will be a first female President of the U.S. And there will be another. The election of the second one will not be a watershed moment in U.S. elections; she will be an honorable mention in history books. But the real first female president will be responsible for her own dynamic presence rather than emerging from the shadow of another. Instead of a sense of entitlement, born of years of complex machinations, she will not assume receipt of our vote but will respect our right to give it. She will not allow others to speak for her because she will want to speak for herself. She will not have to find her own voice, because she will have spoken with it for many years. She will not waste precious time pondering the advantages of appearing strong/soft, tough/warm, calculating/cordial because she will be guided by her own inner compass. Being first can only happen once. I hope we will not bestow that position prematurely, just because we want to be here, now, for that occasion. On behalf of the deserving female candidate who is still out there, I hope we will wait and give her the chance to earn her rightful place in history. "Ashley Winder: "The main issues I have been looking at are human rights related things, environment issues, the economy. If a candidate is supporting the US signing on to the Kyoto treaty, that is just bonus points for me. The older generations are leaning more towards issues that are immediate like Social Security, the economy - things that directly affect them - while we are thinking about what's going to happen to our environment, what's going to happen to us when we are their age. We are thinking about the future. They are thinking about now. There is a good deal of apathy on this campus, but I think this round of young voters is probably more informed than the last round. They are actually looking into what the candidates are supporting and what each candidate will bring to the table if and when they become President. It's a really interesting campaign because this is the first viable African American candidate, the first viable woman candidate, and before Romney dropped out, he was the first viable Mormon one. It has been terribly interesting."Linda Hurley: "In our upcoming Presidential election, there are several issues that concern me. First, I feel strongly that we need a leader with a strong moral compass - not someone who is power-hungry and beholden to special interests. I hope the candidates will campaign on facts and issues, and not resort to the usual negative attacks to which we have become accustomed. To quote one of my favorite people, J. Rufus Fears, "The statesman is distinguished from a mere politician by four qualities: a bedrock of principles, a moral compass, a vision, and the ability to create a consensus to achieve that vision." (The Wisdom of History, 2007, p.4, The Teaching Company) The issues which must be addressed are: the economy; affordable, high-quality healthcare for all citizens; Iraq; Social Security and Medicare; the environment; and education. Although there are many more potential issues to address, if the above were adequately resolved, it would be a remarkable tenure for whoever is elected."George Teneyck - Fort Worth: "Dear Fellow Countrymen, As of the past decade, we as citizens have gotten most of our priorities in life so far out of whack that it's just silly. More than what political party a candidate is loyal to, TODAY, I care more about what a candidate for President is going to do to change the priorities of this countries governance and future. Since September 11th 2001 we have been a nation battered from afar and under a dark cloud of fear. Much of this fear is perpetuated by our own government and our own media. Some have been wincing waiting for another sinister attack, while others continue fighting though every day existence dealing with issues that actually affect them. Some threats in the world call for slightly more attention than others and some election issues certainly call for priority over others. Let us get our priorities straight in this year of election. The things which really matter to us are those things that aid us in protecting our borders, our national security, and our families. The things that matter are those issues which help us take better care of our children, our planet, and our futures. We must balance those positive causes that make us uniquely Americans. For the sake of our country we as a nation need to unite behind common goals and common human needs. Above all else we need to focus on how to care for each other and how to better care for ourselves as people. Americans from every walk of life are completely insular and FAR too wrapped up in their own little 'Bluetooth' existence to care for a sick neighbor, care for their own health, or help a family rise above poverty. Yes, we want to be safe from terrorism. BUT, we also want peace with other nations and we want the vast nuclear weapons caches out there to be monitored and secure at all times so that they don't fall into the hands of criminals. I hate to break it to the 'moral majority', BUT, abortion rights and how 'Christian' someone is compared to you, has no place in public discussion. Abortion is a personal, medical, issue between a woman and her doctor. It has nothing to do with the federal government. I'm not saying that I support abortion one way or the other, I'm simply saying that abortion rights and basically the rest of the modern Republican agenda need to be reevaluated and shifted to a more realistic set of goals and priorities. The rest of the planet may claim to hate us and despise our freedoms. BUT!! let's not forget that it is OUR country that the rest of the planet seems to be attempting to migrate towards- literally and in spirit. It is OUR country that the rest of the planet looks to for innovation, style, freedom, technology, and great achievements. I am proud to be an American. The America I want represented throughout the world has nothing to do with political party, church affiliation, or positions on personal rights. My America is the land of the free, the home of the outrageously daring, and the only place in the world that I want to call home. I hope that whoever gets elected in November will realize our perilous current status in the world and return us to our rightful place of respect and admiration. With great power comes greater responsibility. We must lead the civilized world by example by conducting our national affairs with care, respect, and dignity for all beings. Not just those whom we have something to gain from. We need a President who will help us to realize that we all share the same small, sometimes troubled, planet. The powerful nations of the world must ensure that the policies made today help save our planet from aggression and mass destruction. We must preserve our great institutions for future free peoples to come. Either that or..can we just make certain that Dick Cheney and Blackwater don't do anything dangerous between now and next January. Like I dunno? Spark a war with Iran by starting a naval conflict with attack speedboats in the Persian Gulf. That can't happen right?"Nicole LeBlanc - Dallas: "My gut told me to vote for Hillary from the git-go. I did actually look into supporting several other Democrats (Edwards, Dodd, Obama) but I always came back to HRC. Now that it has come down to two, I feel even more strongly about my position. There is not enough there there for me when it comes to Obama, not to mention this bandwagon effect now taking over, lauding him as so electable. Remember how that happened with Kerry after he won Iowa? He wasn't so electable after all, was he? HRC has so much more experience in both activism and government, has a huge intellect to absorb and weigh information and sort out issues, and just as a bonus she knows how the White House works. All that stuff about ready on day one --it's true. She would be. One thing that is very important to me I don't care at this point who voted to get us into Iraq, I just care about how we are going to get out is her experience on the Senate Armed Services committee for the past 8 years. She has a thorough and intimate knowledge of our armed services and a mutually respectful working relationship with military brass. That will serve her well as she determines the strategy and timetable for a withdrawal. She will know how to best approach this huge undertaking and preserve morale, protect the rights of and care of veterans, etc. Everybody can drink the Obama potion but it doesn't mean anyone will compromise to make good laws. On the other hand, HRC has worked closely with members of both parties on important issues, and I think she CAN get people to work together for results. Likeability does not equal competence. You do not have to like your president. I mean, everybody wanted to have a beer with Bush rather than Gore or Kerry, and look where that's gotten us!! And if you saw Saturday Night Live's first post-strike show and Tina Fey's commentary on Weekend Update, she said it best: Bitches get stuff done. Guess what? We do. I wish she could use it as a campaign slogan. But I am going to make myself a sign for my car: Vote Hillary: Bitches get stuff DONE. And bitch or not, that's who I want to lead my country. "Nina Collins - Azle: "I am thrilled that we've reached the point in this country of electing either a black man or a white woman to our highest office. It is ironic that one of them will be tasked with cleaning up the mess that a white man made. Who said fate doesn't have a sense of humor? It is the process of setting things to right in America and in the world that concerns me most. My candidate must be everything George W. Bush was not when he took office...Experienced. Prepared. Discerning. Experienced in domestic and foreign policies. Prepared to immediately begin repairing the damage done to our economy and to our standing on the world stage. Discerning in the ability to select advisors and to weigh their advice against what her experience tells her. I've chosen Senator Clinton as my candidate not based on the color of her skin or her gender; either reason would be unwise and we do not have the luxury of making another unwise decision. Our immediate future will be full of difficult choices and we must have a person in charge who knows what to do first, second, third and so on. Senator Obama is an intelligent, articulate and thoughtful man and I'd be proud to have him lead my country under normal circumstances but circumstances are not normal and will not be for years. I have a dream that he will agree to serve as Mrs. Clinton's Vice-President and gain the experience that he lacks today so I may vote for him in the future."