Independents voters could swing N.H. primary
There are more independents in New Hampshire than either Republicans or Democrats. And because they're allowed to vote in the Republican primary, they're likely to figure prominently. They also tend to be the deciding factor in picking the eventual president. CBS Evening News anchor Scott Pelley is in Concord, and spoke to some independents to find out what they're thinking.
Audrey Little owns a candy shop but she can't afford health insurance. Not far down the street is Michael Beauregard's kitchen supply store. The great recession forced him out of an early retirement. And a few doors away Michelle Linehart owns a custom clothing shop -- but she hasn't drawn a salary in a year. Three shops on Concord's main street, three independent voters.
"We're all hurting and they're disconnected emotionally from us," says Little.
Pelley: "Election day is tomorrow. Have any of you decided who you're going to vote for?"
Michelle Linehart: " I've narrowed it down but, you know, I like a little bit of each of ... well, I wouldn't say each of them. But there's things that I've seen in some of them that I wish I could combine all into one. But we can't do that, so it's just going to be, okay, who I think is more aligned with what means the most to me."
Pelley: Audrey, how do you decide?
"Mine's going to be pretty much throwing a dart,'' said Little, the candy store owner.
Pelley: "Throwing a dart? "
Little: "Well, i mean no, not that literally ..."
Pelley: "Well, it might work as well as anything else."
Little: "It just might be the best route to go."
Pelley: "Mike, what do you want to hear that you're not hearing?"
Michael Beauregard: "I think the government needs to get out of our way. The backbone of the country is small businesses and we need to just get the government out of our hair.
Michelle Linehart: "Well, i know they're talking a lot about overseas and foreign relations and gay marriage and that ... all that stuff is also important, but I know what means the most to me is economics. I mean, that's what affects me on a day to day basis. How how am I going to pay my bills? Who's going to come into my store today? Do these people coming in have money? Do they have jobs? It's all just a big circle."
Pelley: "That's everybody's Number One issue?"
Beauregard: "Jobs."
Linehart: "Jobs"
Pelley: "And jobs."
Audrey Little: "I know they all talk about changing the country and this and that, and the other thing. But it's a runaround. You don't get straight answers on how are you going to do that for us? How are you going to make sure things change so we can all grow?"
Little: "I'm hoping that we can bring ourselves together as a country an and find some restoration. "
In New Hampshire, some voters are still undecided.
