USA: Ohio voters head to the polls in "Super Tuesday" election battle

Record ID: 327729

  • Title: USA: Ohio voters head to the polls in "Super Tuesday" election battle
  • Date: 7th March 2012
  • Summary: CHILD JOINING MOTHER AT VOTING BOOTH
  • Embargoed: 22nd March 2012 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Location: Usa, Usa
  • Country: USA
  • Topics: Politics
  • Reuters ID: LVA2V26510U0O1PU6P6F1A083RLC
  • Story Text: Voters in the hotly contested state of Ohio cast their ballots in a "Super Tuesday" election (March 6) that could dramatically change the Republican race for president of the United States.
    Mitt Romney, the winner of the last five state contests, carried momentum into the"buckeye state". Polls show he has effectively erased Rick Santorum's lead in Ohio, a traditional bellwether state that could play an important role in deciding the Republican nominee to challenge President Barack Obama on November 6.
    But Santorum vowed to keep fighting, hoping to rally conservatives who still harbor doubts about Romney's chances of beating Obama.
    Voters who came to the polls on a clear but very cold primary election day said the economy was a leading issue they considered.
    Tony Pirone, a restaurant owner, said Rick Santorum -from nearby Pennsylvania - was the best candidate amongst the Republicans.
    "The economy is very important, and Rick's from around here too, so he knows the ins and outs of this. Mitt Romney - he's a good guy, but too rich."
    Tom Arnoto, a 56-year-old Democrat said the battle amongst the Republicans damaged all the candidates.
    "It's a farce. I think it just helps the Democrats, which is good.
    They're going back and forth with one another. And Romney - he's for the big rich people. And the other one - He just seems like he's out of touch with the common people," Arnoto said.
    Tuesday is the biggest day so far in the wild Republican race, with 419 of the 1,144 delegates needed to win the party's nomination at stake.
    Ohio is the largest battleground and most closely watched of the 10 Super Tuesday races, with contests also being held in Georgia, Massachusetts, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Idaho, Alaska and North Dakota.
  • Copyright Holder: REUTERS
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