Democratic primary pits neighbor against neighbor

by Troy Kehoe (tkehoe@wsbt.com)

Tools

hillary sign in front yard

In the tight race between Democratic presidential candidates, neighborhoods, friends, and even families are divided in their support. (WSBT photo)

By Jim Pinkerton

ST. JOSEPH COUNTY — With the primary just a week away, it's hard to find a local Democratic politician who hasn't made an endorsement. But as they take sides to pull for their candidate, is their party being pulled apart?

It's clear the race even has some local neighborhoods divided. You can see it on lawns across the area: some adorned with signs proclaiming "Hoosiers for Hillary," others boasting "Obama for Change."

The divisions are clear between politicians.

There's former Indiana Governor and South Bend Mayor Joe Kernan, Indiana Senator Evan Bayh, and former South Bend Congressman John Brademas in the Hillary camp.

On the other side? Current South Bend Mayor Steve Luecke, former South Bend Congressman Tim Roemer, and St. Joseph County Council President Rafael Morton.

They are deferential disagreements, but there's no denying it's become a "primary predicament" for those "politician types."

But is the push for the White House affecting other houses across Michiana?

You don't have to look far to find the answer.

On South Bend's east side, Sophie White makes no secret of her allegiance.

"I'm a Hoosier for Hillary, absolutely," she said, pointing to the sign in her front yard. "She's just astounding. She's tough!"

Her confidence comes despite the "other" sign next door ... and two doors down.

"We are supporting Barack Obama," said Judy Wein, who lives across the street. "He's the one who can bring change to Washington."

Division?

Well, yes, they both admit. And it's not ideal.

"I'm really disappointed that there's division amongst Democrats in general," said Wein.

That hasn't stopped the "friendly" rivalry in their heavily Democratic neighborhood, and in some cases, it's even dividing household, against household!

Just ask St. Joseph County Prosecutor Michael Dvorak.

"There's some division among family members as to who they're supporting in this election," he said with a smile.

He endorsed Clinton.

His wife and his son, State Representative Ryan Dvorak, are backing Obama.

"It makes for interesting dinner topics," said Dvorak with a laugh. "I hope that those in my family that are supporting Senator Obama will support Senator Clinton when she wins the nomination!"

But will they?

Our latest exclusive WSBT-South Bend Tribune poll still shows the race in a dead heat, with Obama receiving 48 percent of the likely vote, Clinton receiving 47 percent, and 3 percent still undecided. It's one big reason why both candidates are campaigning hard for every last Hoosier vote.

But, primary problems or not, even a divided lawn can't hide the "donkey" tracks.

"We'll support the Democratic candidate, whatever the outcome is," said Wein.

"It's not going to be a problem," agreed White. "I think we're all Democrats, above all."

If changing sides, means changing signs, both agreed that's exactly what they'll do.

"We want a Democrat in the White House, that's what our goal is," said Wein.

Wednesday, Apr 30 at 2:12 PM Kentuckiana Resident wrote ...

Economist, I'll bet the figures get revised downward.... At any rate, I can tell you that I work in the staffign industry, and I have seen the job market shrink for at least 6 months. ... Regardless of the technical definition, most people will tell you that we're in a recession.

Wednesday, Apr 30 at 2:08 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Just for the imformation of Obama supporters. The ethics bill was introduced by McCain and Feingold. It is therefor calleth the McCain Feingold bill. He was one of the 100 senators that voted for it. He had nothing to do with sponsering the bill orginially. there wil be no change in Washington as long as we have the same election process.

Wednesday, Apr 30 at 11:20 AM Die hard Dem wrote ...

It is sad the way this campaign has become so divisive. I do blame Hillary for this for getting so dirty...which is why I became a Obama supporter in the first place. I know them both and have been disgusted on what she will do to win. I just think, if she has done this to the party.....what will she do to the country?

Wednesday, Apr 30 at 10:00 AM Economist wrote ...

Bad news for democrats. It turns out that the economy grew by .6% in the first quarter. There is no recession yet. I'm sure you were hoping for very bad numbers. Better luck this quarter.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 500 Characters Left

Comments are moderated and will not appear on this story until after they have been reviewed and deemed appropriate for posting.

WSBT and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Most Popular

WSBT Weather

icon
72
°
More Weather
More On Demand

Stock Quotes

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Tonight On WSBTFull Schedule

7.00
60 Minutes
8.00
Big Brother 10
9.00
Cold Case
10.00
CSI: NY
11.00
WSBT News
11.35
Irish Sports Report

Question of The Day

Who is going to win the Super Bowl 2007 rematch?

  • Bears
  • Colts

Most Popular