Voters Are Lining Up For Super Tuesday

By Steve Bigham

Newtown resident Gail Bowen stopped by the Registrars Office this week to switch her status from an unaffiliated voter to become a Republican. With next Tuesday’s Presidential Primary inching closer, she wants to be eligible to cast her vote for John McCain.

“I may change my mind before we get to the election next fall,” she admitted, but for now, she plans to support the Arizona Senator.

Mrs Bowen is one of numerous residents to stop by the Registrars Office over the past month to join either the Republican or Democratic party. Unaffiliated or Independent voters are ineligible to vote in either of next week’s primaries. Unaffiliated voters have until Monday at noon to join a party. Independent, Republican and Democratic party members are no longer eligible to make a switch.

The Presidential Primary season is the busiest time of the year for Newtown Registrars Linda Connor and Karen Aurelia. And this year is no exception.

“Presidential primaries are very busy for us. They make people stop and think and remind them that they need to register for a party because it’s the only election where your party affiliation matters,” Mrs Connor noted.

Nearly 300 Newtown residents have registered to vote since January 1. In addition, 28 unaffiliated voters have switched to the Republican Party and seven have switched to the Democratic Party.

Connecticut is one of 10 other states that hold their primaries on Super Tuesday – a pivotal day for those running for the White House.

The Republicans

On the Republican ticket, voters will get to choose between George W. Bush, John McCain and Alan Keyes – the three candidates still left in the race. The names of Gary Bauer, Steve Forbes and Orrin G. Hatch will also appear on the ballot, although those candidates have already pulled out. Voters can also pull the lever indicating they are “uncommitted.”

In Newtown, the Republicans have yet to endorse a candidate. However, party chairman Marie Sturdevant has made up her mind.

“I as chairman of party, personally am endorsing George Bush, but our town committee has not voted on it yet,” she said this week.

Mrs Sturdevant admits she likes Senator McCain, but feels strongly that Gov Bush of Texas is most qualified for the job. She is disappointed in the way both Republican candidates are handling the campaign, choosing to switch into a “negative mode.”

“But I think George Bush will come out on top,” she said.

The GOP party chair called it a travesty that in other states – such as Michigan – Independents, Democrats and unaffiliated voters can vote in Republican primaries. And it is no coincidence that Senator McCain was victorious in Michigan last week.

 “I think it’s wrong. That’s why you join a party – to have the privilege to vote as party,” she said.

The Democrats

On the Democratic ticket, voters will choose between Bill Bradley and Al Gore, or, as a third option, indicate that they are “uncommitted.”

In Newtown, the Democrats are endorsing Vice President Al Gore. Bill Bradley, the former Senator from New Jersey and NBA star, is fading fast, according to party chairman Earl J. Smith.

“Any momentum that Bradley had he’s just about lost,” Mr Smith said. “All his attacks on Gore have backfired.”

Mr Smith also opposes the “open primary” format that some states have chosen to use.

“Republicans should vote for Republicans and Democrats for Democrats,” he said.

Where To Vote

Republicans and Democrats will vote together at the polling places within their respective voting districts. Polling places will be open next Tuesday from 6 am to 8 pm.

Those in District 1 will vote at Newtown Middle School. District 2 voters will head to the Sandy Hook firehouse. Those in District 3A will cast their vote at Head O’ Meadow School, and 3B voters will vote at Middle Gate School.

The Registrars Office – located at Edmond Town Hall – will be open this Saturday from 9 am to noon for party changes or voter registration.

Currently, there are 12,840 registered voters in Newtown. Of those voters, 5,225 are unaffiliated, 4,519 are Republicans, 3,083 are Democrats and 13 are listed as “other.”