Campaign 2006: The voters speak

November 4, 2006

For more than a year, we've heard plenty of pundits talk about what the voters think. Now it's time to hear from the voters. MPR News talked with several voters in the region to find out whom they intend to vote for in various races and why.

Shaun Jamison
Shaun Jamison, a law professor from St. Louis Park, is voting for Tammy Lee in the 5th Congressional District race. As a supporter of the Independence Party, he is glad to see someone talking about the issues and not getting involved in the partisan mudslinging.November 1, 2006
Victoria Main
Victoria Main is a freelance writer who lives in St. Paul. She never misses a chance to vote. She believes Americans live in the most comfortable country on the planet and the least citizens can do is get off the couch and go to the polls.October 31, 2006
Don Holzhuh
Holzshuh says he was raised as a "Teddy Roosevelt" Republican, but bolted the party during the Reagan years when it was taken over by "conservative Democrats obsessed with abortion. "October 31, 2006
Jim Carlen
Jim Carlen is a portfolio manager in downtown Minneapolis. The first vote of his life was for Democrat Michael Dukakis. Today he identifies more closely with Republicans.November 2, 2006
Miriam Simmons
Miriam Simmons runs a manufacturing business with her husband from their home in Stillwater. She was born and raised in Texas, and last month marked her 25th year in Minnesota.October 31, 2006
Linda Stanton
Linda Stanton is a geriatric social worker who lives with her husband in Woodbury. She's an East Coast transplant who loves life in Minnesota.October 31, 2006
Roger Cornett
Roger Cornett has lived in the Twin Cities his entire life. He wants the government to focus on its core responsibilities, like the budget, and not get distracted by issues like abortion and gay marriage.October 31, 2006
Elaine Savick
Elaine Savick, a nurse from St. Louis Park, is voting for Keith Ellison in the 5th Congressional District. She is a long-time DFL supporter and she is glad that Ellison adheres to the populist beliefs that she holds dear.October 31, 2006
Jeremiah Pilon
Jeremiah Pilon, a student and jewelry salesman from Crystal, is voting for Alan Fine. Pilon hopes that in a position of power, Fine will be able to make even more positive environmental change.October 31, 2006
John Vinje
John Vinje is a Vietnam War veteran who lives in Blaine, Minn. He's 53 with children and grandchildren, and he's concerned about their future and the national debt ahead of them.October 31, 2006
Mary Hennessy
Mary Hennessy is a 69-year-old divorced retiree who has a son and lives alone in Oakdale.October 31, 2006
Neil Johnson
Neil Johnson describes himself as "just a taxpaying American" with a wife and three children. He loves to hunt, and he enjoys the orchestra.October 31, 2006