AZ voters turn out in record numbers 

Arizonans turned out in record numbers Feb. 5. Here’s a roundup of quotes from voters leaving polling stations and on the campus of ASU.
Jamie Cowgill, 48, of Scottsdale, voted for John McCain in the Republican primary – “He’s the most moderate of the Republicans running,” she said. “It was either that or Barack Obama, but I’m registered Republican.”
Martha Yates, 53, of Phoenix, voted for Obama – “He represents a fresh perspective,” she said. “He’s not tied into the political establishment a much as the other candidates.”
Patricia Sands, 51, of Scottsdale, said she voted for Obama –  “I guess I like his health care plans,” she said.  “I’m not sure (Clinton) can get voted in.”
Charles Filler, 84, of Scottsdale, also voted for Obama – “Anybody but that Republican crowd,” he said. “I don’t care about experience — any idiot can do it — we need change.”
Marjorie Paulson, 83, of Scottsdale, quietly said she voted for Obama – “Don’t let my husband hear that,” she said. “I think that he does show a lot of character.”
Paulson’s husband, who wished to remain anonymous, voted for Clinton, he said.
Grant Cascle, 79, of Scottsdale, declined to say who he voted for, but said his candidate choice was the “lesser of evils.” – “No one seems to have any program behind them,” he said. “We’re dealing with personalities, rather than issues.”
Tara Mearsheimer, an ASU communications major – "I didn't really follow elections before I came to college but now there are a lot of people talking about it and I am learning a lot. I think it is really important for us (college students) to vote because it is our country too. I believe in everything Obama stands for."
 Jason Bergeron, biology major at ASU – "The presidential preference is absolutely important.  Really, the best voice you have is your vote."
Debbie Fossum, English and communications major – "I am voting for Romney because I don't like McCain. I like (Romney) because he supports non-universal health care, the family and the economy. Students are shaping the world. How we vote on the economy now affects the jobs we have later."

Sen. Chuck Gray on Mitt Romney – “I believe him to be the man of integrity that needs to lead this nation.”
Sen. Karen Johnson on Ron Paul – “I voted for Ron Paul because to me he is the only candidate that will truly take us back to the Constitution and get this country back on an even keel. All the rest of these candidates, like John McCain, are like Bush on stereoids. I mean the man wants 100 years of war.”
Sen. Jay Tibshraeny, commenting on McCain’s comeback following his campaign woes last year – “It’s a tribute to his perseverance and dedication, and to do what he did is pretty phenomenal. They will be writing about it one day.”
Sen. Marsha Arzberger on Hillary Clinton – “I’ve been a support of Hillary Clinton all along. I do feel that experience is very important and that also she can offer some solutions to the critical problems that we have today.”
Sen. Jack Harper on Mike Huckabee – “I voted for Mike Huckabee. He is the only viable candidate that has a consistent record on the sanctity of life and the Second Amendment, and has a plan to control the border.”
Sen. Ken Cheuvront on Clinton – “Clinton, because she will be the best and most competent President.”
Sen. Jorge Luis Garcia on Clinton – “My granddaughter voted for Hillary. And why? Because her nana told her to.”