Primary choices make a difference

The non-stop presidential politicking will reach its frenetic crescendo on Tuesday.

Tennessee and 23 other states will hold primaries and caucuses in a history-making event – the largest-ever group of simultaneous primary contests in the nation. More than 80 million registered voters have the opportunity to participate; more than 40 percent of Democratic and Republican convention delegates will be awarded.

The stakes are high. Narrow presidential fields could contract further, although whether either party’s nomination will be all wrapped up is still a matter of much debate among pundits and political scientists.

We urge our Tennessee readers to make their voices heard. Polls are open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Virginia’s primaries follow on Feb. 12

Almost 7,200 Sullivan County residents have voted early. In the 2004 primary, only slightly more than 8,000 Sullivan Countians cast ballots at all.

The intense interest in this primary is to be expected of a race with no incumbents. Uncertainty about the economy and the war in Iraq provide additional motivation to vote.

There are Democratic and Republican primaries on the ballot. Both are open primaries – meaning anyone can vote in either primary regardless of political affiliation or lack thereof. However, voters are limited to one or the other; they cannot take part in both nominating contests.

On the Democratic side, the race is between Illinois Sen. Barack Obama and New York Sen. Hillary Clinton, the former first lady. Obama is the more inspirational orator; his appeal to a post-partisan spirit of unity resonates with younger voters.

Clinton, meanwhile, touts herself as the race’s experienced, proven leader – a reference to her time as first lady as much as to her short tenure in the Senate. However, Clinton is a polarizing figure and many Americans are uncomfortable with the role of the former president in her campaign.

On the Republican side, Arizona Sen. John McCain and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney are the apparent frontrunners, although former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee could garner some support in the South, including Tennessee. Huckabee will visit the Tri-Cities on Monday – the only one of the candidates to do so. Texas Rep. Ron Paul also remains in the race.

McCain enjoys support among independents and Republican moderates, but is still working to woo the party’s base. He has been lambasted by conservative pundits and talk-radio personalities because of his positions on immigration, campaign finance reform and taxes.

The smears have little basis in fact. McCain has voted with his party 87.7 percent of the time, according to a Washington Post database drawn from congressional records.

McCain is hawkish on defense, rightfully concerned about the undue influence that lobbyists exert on lawmakers and, refreshingly, is an avowed conservationist who pledges to tackle global warming and rein in mountaintop-removal coal mining practices. He criticizes the Bush administration’s prosecution of the Iraq war, but recognizes that America has some obligation to finish what we have started.

Romney’s campaign is almost solely focused on economic matters. He touts his background in private business and as a governor and argues he would be the best choice to "manage" the nation. Perhaps. But the position of president is more than just chief executive officer.

On many other issues, Romney seems willing to say whatever is necessary to earn the blessing of the Republican establishment, even when his rhetoric conflicts with his record as governor. There’s no way to determine which policies he would actually pursue if elected.

The choices made Tuesday will matter. Go to the polls. Choose wisely.