Valley Forum

Watching Nomination Battle? With a close horse race between John McCain and George W. Bush for the Republican nomination, California’s vote in the March 7 primary will actually have a major impact on the race for a change. But, the real presidential election is still eight months away. So the Business Journal asks: Are you following the presidential race? Plinio Garcia Jr. President and CEO Chef Merito Inc. Yes, I am following the races. I think it’s a great election year. We have very clear choices and it’s a shame if people don’t see that. I’m very excited about the candidates. This is the first year I’m voting as a Democrat and I will vote for a Democrat. Alex Soteras Owner Soteras Mortgage Co. Yes, I am following the elections. I’m chairman of the Bush campaign in the Valley. I always watch the presidential campaigns and I’m usually involved. I’m on the Republican Central Committee for the 41st District. This year is particularly interesting. You kind of have two parts of the Republican Party on opposite sides. It’ll be interesting to see who prevails. Judy Kneisley Senior Vice President and General Manager Lee Hecht Harrison Yes, I am. I don’t feel like I have much of a choice in the matter. From one standpoint, we’re inundated with information on the election from all the media. And from another standpoint, I think it’s critical that everyone pays attention and is involved. I wouldn’t say anyone in this election excites me. It concerns me more than excites me. I don’t have a candidate I’m totally excited about. There are several candidates I have qualms about, so it’s a process of elimination in deciding who to vote for. Jerry Gonzalez President Tropical Ice Inc. No, I haven’t been following the elections. Just in general, I have been very turned off by politics, and I’m sure anyone can guess why. I just find it in general to be more of a stage show than anything else. They’re not throwing too many stones this time, but it still doesn’t interest me. If I catch it on TV, fine, if not, oh well. Lee Alpert Principal Alpert & Barr I’m following the race. I think it’s fascinating and exciting for the first time in awhile. I would guess that I’ll end up voting for the Republican nominee. While it’s exciting, it’s also disappointing. I would much more enjoy hearing issues as opposed to watching candidates attack each other in a childish way. It’s disappointing to see one person who is going to be president name calling and attacking (their opponent). I think it does show the worst side of politics. I think that’s why McCain is doing well. It really does show that some people are sick of politics as usual and they’d like to see someone in the White House that may bring a new and fresh approach. McCain is candid and I hope he’s being honest in what he says. The perception is that he’s someone speaking honestly to you. Joyce Pearson Pearson Law Corp. I’ve been following the races because I’m a Republican, and I know you’re never supposed to broadcast that, but I’m a proud Republican who’s voting for McCain. Bush is a good man, but not for getting rid of the extreme right, which Republicans have to do to make the party viable. I think it’s even interesting between Gore and Bradley. Bradley is trying to take up what many feel is bad about the Clinton presidency and expose the problems. He has his work cut out for him