ST. JOSEPH COUNTY - The Race for the 2nd district is being watched around the world. Wednesday though, local viewers watched as the three candidates debated on public television.
At WSBT, there was a watch party of sorts. We gathered some local viewers with a variety of view points -- each wanting to know which candidate will best represent them in congress, and hoping the debate would solidify their vote.
But with less than a week until the election the voters are ready to decide.
In a show of hands of the eight voters watching the debate at WSBT...5 had already decided who they would vote for.
As Incumbent Congressman Democrat Joe Donnelly, Republican Challenger Jackie Walorski and Libertarian candidate Mark Vogel squared off on television, the watch party followed along.
"I think what it allowed is for the opportunity for voters to compare and contrast two very different candidates," says Rudy Yakym III who had already chosen Walorski to get his vote.
The candidates were most likely hoping to sway those leaning voters and solidify those who have already made their choice.
But did Wednesday night's debate have the effect the candidates were hoping for?
After the debate, only two of the people in the room said they had changed their vote -- both decided to vote for Walorski.
Throughout the night, as the candidates spoke passionately about their records and ideas so did the 8 people at WSBT.
The hot topics? Jobs, taxes and government spending.
"Jackie's positions have always been my positions when it comes to taxes jobs reigning in the federal government," says Cheryl Moody.
"To me, Mr. Donnelly is Northern Indiana. To me, I hear what I want to hear when I listen to Mr. Donnelly talk. I think he represents this area," says Bruce Bomembeke.
