Iraq, jobs stay keys for voters - - Bush, Kerry court Mich. undecideds

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http://www.freep.com/news/politics/vote13e_20040913.htm

Iraq, jobs stay keys for voters

Bush, Kerry court Mich. undecideds
September 13, 2004

BY JEFFREY MCCRACKEN FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER

<snip>And Vietnam veteran and restaurant owner Mike Hanna knew after seeing his country at war that he would vote based on who he thought would best manage the situation in Iraq.


Their priorities are telling. Dalecki says he has "soured" on President George W. Bush, and wants to hear what Sen. John Kerry has to say about health care. Hanna, meanwhile, leans solidly toward Bush.


For many in Michigan and around the country, especially the millions who consider themselves independent or nonpartisan, the issues they see as the most important often indicate who will get their vote.

The thought process that goes into picking a president is akin to that of a picking a new vehicle, say political analysts and pollsters. Some people are tied to a brand name -- whether it's Chevy or Ford, Democrat or Republican -- but most of the rest are focused on other issues -- such as safety features with vehicles, or, in the case of a politician, the views of the candidate on jobs, terrorism or health care.<snip>