Democratic primary pits neighbor against neighbor

by Troy Kehoe (tkehoe@wsbt.com)

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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.

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