Polls Open; Long Lines in West Virginia

(Charleston, West Virginia)

 

Polls opened at 6:30 this morning in West Virginia; and, if the lines at Chamberlain Elementary School in Charleston are any indication, this could be another record turnout in one of the most contested primary seasons in American history.

 

Among those voting today was Daryl Huffman, age 20, who was voting for the very first time. "I voted for Hillary," Huffman said. "I just really like her views, especially on the environment. That's what I am studying in school."  Huffman attends the nearby University of Charleston and is majoring in environmental biology.

Her vote was not an easy choice. "I like Obama as well," she said, "but I feel like she has a better chance running against McCain."

 

The debate over McCain, and whom to support if Clinton does not win, was weighing on others today. There is concern within the Obama campaign that he cannot attract enough white "blue collar" voters who could bolt the Democratic party for John McCain if Obama is the nominee. But the Obama camp would love to meet retired coal miner, Thomas A. Ward, Sr. Today he voted for Hillary Clinton, saying "I think personally, myself, if we get Obama in there, we got a lot of problems down the pike." Ward says Obama lacks experience.

 

Ward thinks Obama is trying to be another John Kennedy, who makes inspiring speeches, but can't follow through. Clinton has far more real experience, according to Ward; but if Clinton fails to win the nomination, Ward will support Obama. "No, I won't back McCain," Ward said. "I'll support Obama, and my union will, too."  Ward is a member of the United Mine Workers; and if that union endorses Obama, there may be far more white voters in blue collar jobs backing Obama, as well. Democratic party leaders know he needs that support to win West Virginia in November. West Virginia almost always picks the White House winner, and no Democrat has won the presidency without it since 1916.

 

Young George Chamberlain came out to vote with his dad this morning in Charleston. They are Obama supporters. Chamberlain is a student at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana, but is home on summer break. Of Obama, he says, "I feel like he's a great candidate for change. He's a real honorable guy, a person who can change America in a positive direction."

 

Hillary Clinton plans a victory rally tonight at 7:30 in Charleston, and I will be there to cover it.

 

Wednesday morning I will be "live" on KTVU's "Mornings on Two" at 7:45 to wrap up the West Virginia vote.

Keep checking back at www.MarkCurtisMedia.blogspot.com.

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