Category Archives: Fall 2008

When it comes to health insurance, more Americans are falling through the cracks. “It’s the 47-million-person question,” says Deborah Freund, a healthcare expert at the Center for Policy Research of Syracuse University. Consider these statistics: Nationally, 45.7 million people were … Continue reading →

Wind power. Solar energy. Water power. Those are some of the renewable resources at the center of the ongoing debate about the nation’s energy. Renewable energy comes from natural resources that never run out — like radiation from the sun. … Continue reading →

[Anchor intro: As if losing your job wasn’t enough, finding a new one is getting even harder. The pool of Americans looking for a job is growing by the day as the economy heads further into a recession. Democracywise reporter … Continue reading →

In almost another world, 62 years ago James Matthews went to a movie theatre in Jefferson City, Missouri. He was an 18-year-old freshman at Lincoln University. He quietly found a seat and sat down. Above his head was a sign. … Continue reading →

With home foreclosures, the Syracuse area is luckier than many. But the area still has a sharp increase in homes lost to foreclosure, reflecting the nation’s growing economic problems and the burst of the housing bubble. A Democracywise study of … Continue reading →

Gun sales have skyrocketed across the nation since Democrat Barack Obama was elected president in November. Many gun owners fear the new president will seek new restrictions on gun ownership. But Rick Taggert, owner of Alpha Omega Firearms, in Syracuse … Continue reading →

Filing for bankruptcy. As the economy worsens, more and more Americans are taking the drastic step of bankruptcy to try to recover from their financial hardships. The poor state of the economy has caused the number of personal bankruptcy filings … Continue reading →

Norma Harwzinske just got home from the hospital. Her husband, Stanley, has Alzheimer’s disease. He fell and broke his hip at Van Duyn Home and Hospital and she was in the waiting room during his surgery. “He fell on Halloween … Continue reading →

Andrea Viczian wants to cure blindness. In her lab at SUNY Upstate Medical University, Viczian is trying to find a way to change embryonic stem cells from mice into specific cells that are lost when a person loses his or … Continue reading →

The problems facing Social Security are everyone’s problems. That’s view of John Palmer, formerly one of the two trustees appointed by the president to oversee Social Security and former dean of Syracuse University’s Maxwell School. And the local concerns reflect … Continue reading →

Just last year, Ramon Rolle couldn’t find anyone to help him care for his bad leg. “I’d go to the doctor’s office and get turned down at the receptionist. They’d say, ‘Got no insurance? C-Ya,’” he recalls. Rolle was then … Continue reading →

Nationally, almost 50 million beneficiaries receive money from Social Security—and 86,760 in Onondaga County. The beneficiaries are at the heart of Social Security’s political dilemma. The program, born out of the Great Depression, now faces a serious financial crunch. Consider … Continue reading →

For school children, the tests required by federal law remain controversial. That law is called No Child Left Behind. And one reason for the controversy is variation among states as they follow the law’s mandates. John Yinger specializes in education … Continue reading →

To David Harris, outsourcing comes down to two factors: Mobility and cost. “If the job can be moved, and the prices are cheap enough to make them worth moving,” said Harris, an economics professor at Syracuse University, “then bye-bye job.” … Continue reading →

The one-of-a-kind, interwoven gold wedding band is lost somewhere in Mark Braiman’s backyard in Cazenovia. It slipped off his finger two years ago when Braiman and his spouse were mulching fallen tree branches. And after two summers of fruitless searching … Continue reading →

Higher college tuition and the national economic meltdown are threatening to keep more young people out of college. To cover the extra cost, for example, students at Syracuse University, a private college, are increasingly looking at loans and grants to … Continue reading →

Free coffee, ice cream and doughnuts were on offer for voters on Tuesday. But for many at the polls, the taste was for democracy. Here are a few scenes from around Onondaga County this Election Day: *** At Jamesville-DeWitt Middle … Continue reading →

Jubilant Democrats danced, chanted and pumped their fists on Election Night in Onondaga County. “We’re taking back our country, as a party!” proclaimed Diane Dwire, chairwoman of the  Onondaga County Democratic Committee, to a raucous crowd at the Election Night … Continue reading →

The College Republicans didn’t cheer as the election results rolled in Tuesday night. They didn’t cry. They just stood in stony-faced silence, arms crossed. “We got our asses kicked tonight,” said Nick Johnson, chairman of College Republicans. As of 11 … Continue reading →

To the joy of local Democrats, Senator Barack Obama claimed the presidency on Tuesday night. The unofficial results showed Obama collecting 334 electoral votes — far more than the 270 needed to win the presidency, according to The Post-Standard. Republican … Continue reading →

As part of a Democratic sweep, Al Stirpe will return for a second term as 121st District Assemblyman. After the results came in Tuesday night, Stirpe thanked his supporters as Democrats celebrated at a gathering in Liverpool. “We’re going to … Continue reading →

In a landslide victory, Democratic incumbent Joan Christensen has won her tenth term for the 119th state Assembly District. “I want to say thank you to all of you who voted.” Christensen said at the Onondaga County Democratic Party’s celebration … Continue reading →

In an easy victory, Democrat Bill Magnarelli has won his fifth term as assemblyman for the New York state 120th District. “I’m feeling very good. I think it’s going to be a great night for Democrats.” (Bill Magnarelli, Democrat, 120th … Continue reading →

For the 14th time, Howie Hawkins’ bid for public office bit the dust Tuesday. Hawkins, the Green Populist for Congress in New York’s 25th District, received about three percent of the vote, or 8,769 ballots, according to an unofficial tally … Continue reading →

For Republican Dale Sweetland, the night turned into a bad dream. Sweetland lost in the 25th District Congressional race to Democrat Dan Maffei. But other Republicans also gave credit to the juggernaut campaign of Democratic presidential contender — and unofficial … Continue reading →

Despite his apparent loss, Republican candidate James DiStefano won praise from his party for the race in the 49th state Senate District. “He worked extremely hard. He was up against a very good candidate. He was out there campaigning; it’s … Continue reading →

In a clear victory, Democrat David Valesky won his third term as state senator in the 49th District. “We’re not done with change, we’re not finished with reform,” said Valesky from the Democrats’ party in Liverpool on Tuesday night. He … Continue reading →

In an overwhelming victory, Republican state Senator John DeFrancisco gets another two years in Albany. Before his unofficial victory on Tuesday, DeFrancisco was optimistic about getting another term. “I feel good. We ran a good campaign and I think we’ve … Continue reading →

An Election Day mostly untarnished by major problems made the voting quick and painless for many Onondaga County voters Tuesday. “Easy going, very nice.” (Abbey DiPlasido, Syracuse University senior) “It was very smooth sailing.” (Amaury Rivas, Syracuse University freshman) “It … Continue reading →

You probably won’t have a long to wait to cast your ballot on Election Day. That’s the prediction from local election officials — even though they’re expecting large numbers of voters at the polls. . The Onondaga County Board of … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAGNARELLIprofile.mp3] Thirteen years ago, William Magnarelli had an epiphany at a Christmas party. The revelation came to him after a former Syracuse Carrier Corporation employee bent Magnarelli’s ear about losing his job. “It got me thinking. Carrier left a knowledge … Continue reading →

[Anchor intro: So, where do you go on Tuesday — Election Day —to cast that ballot? Well, Onondaga County has 203 polling places. And how do you find out which one is yours? Democracywise’s Racquel Asa gives us a how … Continue reading →

Al Stirpe has been knocking on a lot of doors in the past few months. He hopes the grassroots support will get him a second shot in the State Assembly. Stirpe is the Democratic candidate for the 121st District Assembly … Continue reading →

Expect pleasant weather when you go to the polls on Tuesday. “As of today, the weather for next Tuesday in Central New York looks partly sunny and mild with high temperatures near 60 degrees Fahrenheit,” said local meteorologist Kevin Williams … Continue reading →

If you’re looking for a Democrat on Tuesday night, you’ll probably find him or her in Liverpool. You can find the Onondaga County Democrats and most of the county’s Democratic candidates in there. The Onondaga County Democratic Committee will be … Continue reading →

For Election Day, the College Republicans of Syracuse University will be eyeing the 25th Congressional race to see some results of their labor. “Every weekend beginning in September we’ve either done precinct-walking or call banks.  This weekend, we are walking … Continue reading →

Something you should NOT do on Election Day: Do not ask to take off whole work day. According to New York state election law – you’re only allowed 2 hours. Here’s the word from Ed Ryan, Democratic commissioner, Onondaga County … Continue reading →

Dale Sweetland looks to gain a few pounds during Tuesday’s election and the final minutes before it. “On Tuesday, he’ll start his day at the Dunbar breakfast in Syracuse at 7:30 a.m. He’ll make his way to the spaghetti supper … Continue reading →

Rallying for a final push, Onondaga County Republican Party will be campaigning until the last possible minute on Election Day. “We’re focusing on getting people out to vote,” said Carole Marsh, executive administrative assistant of the Onondaga County Republican Committee, … Continue reading →

Tried and tested voting machines will be the mainstay at Onondaga County polling places on Election Day. “Some of these lever machines are thirty or forty years old. They’re no longer even manufactured.” (Edward Ryan, Democratic commissioner of Onondaga County … Continue reading →

Two groups of young Democrats from Syracuse University will party separately on Election Night. First, the venerable College Democrats: President Abby DiPlacido says some of the group will be at Democrat Dan Maffei’s headquarters in downtown Syracuse. Maffei is running … Continue reading →

No car? No bus pass? No problem. To help voters across Onondaga County, several organizations are teaming up to offer rides to polling places throughout the greater Syracuse area. “We find that sometimes students or the elderly can’t always get … Continue reading →

It’s a pretty big “What if…?” Maybe not in the case of the 50th Senate District, where incumbent Republican John DeFrancisco is being challenged by an un-Google-able Carol Mulcahy. But in the case of the race between Republican John McCain … Continue reading →

First-time voters in the state of New York will need identification next Tuesday. Everyone else can just show up. If you have voted in the past, you do not have to bring any identification, both state and local Board of … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Election-Night-News-Zak.mp3] It’s election night: NBC is turning the Rockefeller Center ice rink into a giant electoral map. CBS has unpacked a wall’s worth of interactive touch screens. CNN is set to conduct live interviews with 3-D holograms of campaign spokespeople. … Continue reading →

Voters with children don’t have to leave their kids behind on Election Day this Tuesday. “You can bring your kids into the election booth with you,” said Joan Johnson, co-president of the Syracuse-area League of Women Voters. “In fact, I … Continue reading →

In a religion-and-politics twist, the Christian identity of Democratic presidential contender Barack Obama has been doubted, examined and challenged during the election season. Obama himself has repeatedly stressed his faith. “I believe in the redemptive death and resurrection of Jesus … Continue reading →

Under blue skies and surrounded by apples, Republican Dave Knapp looks at ease. He’s at the LaFayette Apple Festival, sporting a blue shirt that reads “Dave Knapp for Assembly.” To many at the festival, he’s a familiar figure with deep … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MaffeiProfileRadioStory.mp3] Dan Maffei is a self-described nerd. He has a DVD collection of old television shows like “Star Trek” and “MASH” and “The Rockford Files.” He’s currently reading two books at once, both historical novels. And he insists he is … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/MAGNARELLI.mp3] For his big money in politics, Democratic Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli gets the most contributions from individuals and the city of Syracuse. In four months alone, Magnarelli collected $63,500dollars. That’s the findings from Magnarelli’s 2008 campaign finance reports on file … Continue reading →

Despite his popularity among young voters, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama isn’t getting much obvious financial support from students in Onondaga County. Sen. Obama (D-Ill.) is running against Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) in the Nov. 4 election. In a recent … Continue reading →

In a big-bucks election season, Democratic incumbent Joan Christensen is spending more than she’s raised to keep her seat in the 119th State Assembly District. Since Jan. 1, 2008, Christensen has spent $23,275.99 on her re-election campaign, according to reports … Continue reading →

In the money race, Democrat Dan Maffei, has already won for the 25th Congressional District. Maffei has broken the district’s record for campaign contributions with $2 million — out raising Republican nominee Dale Sweetland by well over $1.5 million. Sweetland’s … Continue reading →

William Banks’ first donation to a political campaign was a big one: $2,300. In May, Banks gave that to Democrat Barack Obama’s presidential campaign. It’s one of the largest single campaign contributions to Obama from Onondaga County this year. To … Continue reading →

Out of her own pocket, Republican Christina Fadden Fitch is bankrolling her run for the 119th District Assembly. So far, Fitch has raised only $650, according to campaign finance reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections. She … Continue reading →

The top political dollars for Democratic Assemblyman Al Stirpe are coming from his own party. That’s a hefty $214,000 from the Democratic Assembly Campaign Committee, according to campaign finance reports filed with the New York State Board of Elections. The … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Obama-SU-Zak.mp3] When it comes to dollars, Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama is cashing in with Syracuse University donors. For his campaign, SU workers — staff members, faculty, and administrators— have contributed $46,000, according to Federal Election Commission reports. The contributions … Continue reading →

[Anchor Intro: Dark horses. Rabblerousers. Dissenting voices. Spoilers. These are roles that third parties usually play in our politics. With the election looming, Democracywise reporter Leigh Paynter explores our local third parties and their influence.] Syracuse is home to an … Continue reading →

When it comes to tapping into the big bucks to run a campaign, Republican state Sen. John DeFrancisco of the 50th Senate District turns to political action committees, contributions from corporations and individuals in Onondaga County, as well as unions … Continue reading →

When it comes to serving constituents as a DeWitt town supervisor, James DiStefano had a simple trademark: The telephone call. “There’s absolutely no one who called who didn’t get a call back once, or twice, or three times,” he said. … Continue reading →

Republican Dale Sweetland says he wants to represent the 25th Congressional District because he feels Congress isn’t doing enough for people in the district. “I believe Congress has lost its compass over many, many years. Not just this Congress. They … Continue reading →

When President Ronald Reagan wanted to keep American forces in Lebanon for 18 more months, newly minted Republican Congressman John McCain – Navy veteran, son and grandson of admirals, prisoner of war – had a one-word answer: No. “He’s a … Continue reading →

Tireless. Fearless. But above all — friendly and familiar. That’s how friends and coworkers describe Assemblywoman Joan Christensen, the Democratic incumbent of the 119th Assembly District. “She’s just very willing to serve,” Diane Dwire, a friend and president of the … Continue reading →

For Democrat Barack Obama, the call for “change” is at least a 13-year-old mantra. “The political debate is now so skewed,” Obama told the Chicago Reader in 1995, while campaigning for Illinois Senate. “People are hungry for community; they miss … Continue reading →

For an upstart candidate, Christina Fadden Fitch is gaining an impressive list of endorsements for the 119th Assembly District seat. “Energetically reform-minded candidate,” as The Post-Standard put it in its endorsement. And that theme echoes from across a broad range … Continue reading →

For Howie Hawkins, the political glass ceiling is showing some cracks. “I have a chance to win,” said Hawkins, the enduring Green candidate for elected office in the Syracuse area. This time, he’s running as the Green Populist candidate for … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Biden-profile.mp3] Not a star student — but a loyal Orangeman. That’s how one of his former professors describes Democratic vice presidential nominee Joe Biden. Thomas Marone is a professor at Syracuse University’s College of Law and taught Biden in his … Continue reading →

When Democratic state Sen. David Valesky voted to cap taxes supporting education this summer, he broke with one of his strong support-groups. “I have been very supportive of education issues,” Valesky said in a recent phone interview. “These are the … Continue reading →

More money for Syracuse-area projects. That’s a main theme in the re-election campaign for Republican state Sen. John DeFrancisco from the 50th Senate District. Or, as he puts it in his campaign slogan: “DeFrancisco Delivers.” “I don’t think you can … Continue reading →

Labor unions and other political figures are the largest contributors in Democratic state Sen. David Valesky’s fund-raising for the 49th Senate District race. “The people that donate to our campaign are the people that are already engaged in the system,” … Continue reading →

One hundred dollars. That’s about .2 percent of the money Republican James DiStefano has raised in his campaign for the New York State Senate seat in the 49th District. But for Herbert Silvestri, it’s a big political message. “I’m not … Continue reading →

The booster for Republican Dale Sweetland’ campaign for Congress is the Syracuse-area real estate industry. It has donated more to his campaign than any other industry, according to analysis by the Center for Responsive Politics in Washington, D.C. The group … Continue reading →

For campaign dollars, Republican presidential candidate John McCain enjoys something in the greater Syracuse area that he doesn’t most other places: A lead over Democratic candidate Barack Obama in donations from individuals. The Center for Responsive Politics, in Washington, D.C.,  … Continue reading →

When it comes to money, Howie Hawkins just can’t compete. “It puts me at a disadvantage,” said Hawkins. He is the perennial third-party candidate now running as the Green Populist candidate for the 25th Congressional District. “I’m doing OK in … Continue reading →

The AD: Title: “Investing in Our People” From: Paid by Friends of Dan Maffei URL: http://www.maffeiforcongress.com/Multimedia/AdSpots/ What it says: Dan Maffei is the Democrat running to succeed retiring Congressman Jim Walsh, a Republican, in the 25th Congressional District. His opponents … Continue reading →

(Anchor Intro) Dark horses. Rabblerousers. Dissenting voices. Spoilers. These are roles that third parties usually play in our politics. With the election looming, Democracywise reporter Leigh Paynter explores our local third parties and their influence. Syracuse is home to an … Continue reading →

The Ad: From: Barack Obama Democratic presidential candidate Type: TV advertisement Date: September 16th, 2008 URL: The Television Ad What it says: The TV ad contains just Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama sitting down and talking about his plan. The … Continue reading →

The Statement: Title: Dan Maffei’s Job-Creation Plan From: Democratic congressional candidate Dan Maffei, running in the 25th Congressional district. His opponents are Republican Dale Sweetland and Green Populist candidate Howie Hawkins. They are running to succeed retiring Republican Jim Walsh. … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Fact-check-Chloe.mp3] The Ad: Title: “Recipe” From: Republican presidential candidate John McCain Type: Attack ad against Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama. When/Where: Aug. 8, 2008, as a radio ad on YouTube URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iDkg_clAsI What It Says: The one-minute attack ad is … Continue reading →

For the first time in more than 40 years, Democrats are poised to take control of the New York state Senate and most of the state’s government. “There are a lot of indicators that it could be a very good … Continue reading →

The statements: On his Web site, Democratic congressional candidate Dan Maffei praises the Spanish energy company Iberdrola as an example of a creator of new, high-quality jobs for Central New York. Title: “My Job Creation Plan” and “Candidates take starkly … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/fact-check.mp3] Anchor Intro: A health-care plan headed for a Wall Street-like disaster. That’s what Democratic presidential candidate Barack Obama says in a recent ad about Republican candidate John McCain’s health care proposal. Reporter Torie Wells explains why the link between … Continue reading →

The Ad: Title: “Dale Sweetland Has It Backwards” From: Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) Type: Attack ad against Republican Dale Sweetland. Sweetland is running against Democrat Dan Maffei and Howie Hawkins of the Green Populist Party to succeed Republican Jim … Continue reading →

The Statement: Sweetland remarks From: Dale Sweetland, Republican candidate for 25th Congressional District. His opponents are Democrat Dan Maffei and Green Populist candidate Howie Hawkins. They running to succeed Republican Jim Walsh, who is retiring. Type: Comment made at public … Continue reading →

The Statement: speech by Republican presidential candidate John McCain Title: “Our Financial Markets” From: McCain campaign Type: Stump Speech Date: Speech delivered Sept. 19, 2008 in Green Bay, Wis., to members of the Green Bay Chamber of Commerce URL: http://www.johnmccain.com/Informing/News/Speeches/9a604256-0519-46e6-a1ce-e70798b39ec2.htm … Continue reading →

The Statement: press release from Dale Sweetland’s campaign Title: “Sweetland’s Medicaid Fraud Initiative Saves County Taxpayers $2 Million in 7 Months” From: Republican Dale Sweetland’s campaign for 25th Congressional District in New York State. Sweetland’s opponents are Democrat Dan Maffei … Continue reading →

The Ad: Title: “Social Security” From: The Obama/Biden Campaign, Democratic ticket Type: Attack Ad on Republican candidate John McCain’s views on Social Security Date: Released Sept. 18, 2008 URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oV9GZUtCgPc What It Says: The ad attacks Republican presidential candidate John … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/FACT-CHECK-STACY-LANGE.mp3] The Ad: Title “Honor” From: Obama/Biden Campaign, Democratic Party Type: attack ad against Republican candidate John McCain Date: Sept. 15, 2008 URL: http://my.barackobama.com/page/community/post/stateupdates/gG5q24 What It Says: The ad opens with a clip of Republican Sen. John McCain at a … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Factcheck-Kineke.mp3] The Ad: Title: “Equal Pay” From: Barack Obama, Democratic presidential candidate Type: Attack ad on Republican presidential candidate John McCain Date: Sept. 16, 2008 URL: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2G7ZDgVSvM What it Says: “Today, many women work to help support their families, but … Continue reading →

Rob Sturges, a Syracuse University graduate student, does not have health insurance, so he didn’t go to see a doctor after he broke his finger last year. “You know it hurt for a while. But I didn’t know if it … Continue reading →

Nicole Thur can’t wait for Nov. 4. “I’m really just excited to vote,” said Nicole Thur, a senior at Syracuse University. “I just missed being able to vote in the 2004 election and to finally have the opportunity to vote … Continue reading →

Sens. David Valesky and John DeFrancisco are up for re-election in the 49th and 50th Senate Districts surrounding Syracuse. And if history repeats itself, they have a good chance of returning to Albany. Incumbents, like Valesky and DeFrancisco, win re-election … Continue reading →

[audiohttps://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Story3A-Senate-Story-Kineke2.mp3] Two seats. That’s the Democrats’ slimmest of slim majorities in the United States Senate. But many political signs suggest that will change with this election. Political scientist Danny Hayes of Syracuse University says Democrats will benefit from Republican scandals, … Continue reading →

When John Adams was vice president from 1797 to 1801, he called his position “the most insignificant office.” Soon after Jack Garner accepted his vice presidential nomination in 1932, he said “The vice presidency isn’t worth a pitcher of warm … Continue reading →

White and male. That’s how presidential candidates usually look. And that’s one of the reasons Barack Obama’s nomination by the Democratic Party marks a historic moment in American history. But experts disagree on whether the color of Obama’s skin will … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/04/Story3-Matt-Scene-Setter-Final-Audio.mp3] All 435 seats in the House of Representatives are up for election this fall. Now, Democrats are in control of the House. They reclaimed the majority in the 2006 elections. They hold 236 seats while the Republicans own the … Continue reading →

For the first time in as long as they can remember, Democrats in DeWitt — a Syracuse suburb of about 25,000 — are celebrating a big change. “The town of DeWitt just went blue,” Diane Dwire, chairwoman of the Onondaga … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story3cToriescenesetter.mp3] Anchor Intro: After Senator Hillary Clinton of New York lost the Democratic presidential nomination, the campaign looked like it would be an all-male event. But then Republican John McCain brought a woman back into the race. He chose Alaska … Continue reading →

With voters choosing all their state Assembly members this fall, Democrats are likely to tighten their grip on state government in Albany, say political experts. “The Democrats’ lock on the Assembly is so huge that there’s no way, even in … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-Andy-POS-audio.mp3] “My boyfriend is too lazy to register to vote, so I went to the student center and got applications and started to hand them out to my friends and filled it out for them  . . . This is … Continue reading →

Red-letter days for would-be voters are fast approaching. There are two deadlines — Oct. 10 and Oct. 24 — for registering to vote. Citizens can register to vote in Onondaga County in two ways: by filling out a mail-in voter … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2A-Boris-POS-montage.mp3] “My name is Luke Rob Gorz, I’m 21 years old, and I’m a Republican. Well, obviously, the economy is Number One. Number Two is taxes… and Number Three, the welfare of the country – national security and stuff like … Continue reading →

“I would say healthcare. There are a lot of people out there who are temporarily out of jobs. Like where I work now, a lot temps are there. The health insurance we have right now isn’t always an option.” (Brenda … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2B-Landon-Revised-Montage.mp3] “More recently I’ve been looking at the front page more than the sports page a little bit. It’s getting more interesting. That’s for sure.” (Arthur Kenny, 70, speech pathologist, of Jamesville-Dewitt) “I vote in every single election and primary. … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-POS-Chloe-FINAL.mp3] “I have a 5-year-old son, so…what’s the U.S. going to be like when he is 40 years old? I want it to be a good place for him to live — and all I see is the 1920s and … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/1POS-Jamie.mp3] “It was always the right thing to do when you were 18. When I was 18, you could drink, you could vote, you could serve your country, so that’s what we did.” (Mark Eddington, 43, of Syracuse, assistant service … Continue reading →

Counter clockwise from top left: George Cannellos, Terry Burke, Dan Murphy, Patricia Moore, Jeff Keida [audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Voters-Minds-Asa.mp3] “To get everything back to normal, like it was when Clinton was here somewhat.” (George Cannellos, 82, of Syracuse; owner of Cosmo’s Pizza; unaffiliated … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-Zak-POS.mp3] “The country’s messed up. We just need a whole new- just start all over again. And I don’t think one person, ‘Bama — anybody other than Jesus Christ — can do it in four years. But at least we’ll … Continue reading →

“I see it as a lot of government being more people telling me how to think rather than allowing me total free will.   Whereas conservatives believe in less government.  And I kind of want the national government to only do … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-POS-Ed-Audio-final.mp3] “What I really want to hear is the voice of integrity from the politicians, and I’d love to hear a presidential campaign person — a candidate — say, ‘I can’t do it alone.’” (Eunice Tompkins, 60, of Tully, registered … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-POS-Torie-montage.mp3] “I’m not sure that the next generation, which is our children, are going to have the kind of retirement that we have, which is stable — and that’s what I’m concerned about.” (Jane Wiehele-Amond, 64, of Cicero, retired, Democrat) … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-Megan-POS-audio.mp3] “Obama…. His education policies have convinced me. He seems to actually support teachers — wherein a lot of the time it’s not about supporting teachers. It’s about, ‘Let’s create some tests and hopefully that’ll test students and get not … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Story2-POS-Leigh-VoterIssues.mp3] “Abortion, the economy, and the war in Iraq.” (John Crisafulli, 26, SU grad student, Democrat, voting for Barack Obama) “War. I don’t like that. Some of my family is over there. That and I feel like America’s more worried … Continue reading →

[audio:https://democracywise.syr.edu/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Susanna_POS.mp3] “The war in Iraq, that’s another one. Health insurance is a big one, that’s probably the biggest. It’s getting so expensive that people can’t afford health insurance anymore. Doctor’s, there’s not enough of them out there, people can’t afford … Continue reading →