With the election a little over a week away, it is not hard to believe the presidential campaign is on the mind for one Salladasburg man.
Greg Delker has been watching the debates as a way to get information about President Barack Obama and former Gov. Mitt Romney on his own, rather than relying on other sources.
"(The debates) helped confirm some ideas I already had or made them much clearer," said Delker, who would not announce for whom he plans to vote.
The debates also have given him a chance to see the personalities of the candidates, whether a candidate is calm, "catty or snarky" when responding to the questions asked.
This election year's campaign is easier to judge since Obama has had four years in his role, Delker said. When Obama debated the previous Republican candidate, John McCain, neither candidate had any experience as president.
Instead of hearing McCain or Obama say, "I can do this" or "I will do this," the candidates are saying, "I will continue these policies" or "I will change these policies," Delker said.
He said he plans to vote in the presidential election and has done so in other elections, whether presidential or not.
Voting is the only way an American, Pennsylvanian and Lycoming County resident can have his voice be heard, he said.
Delker expects this year's voting turnout to be average since neither side has a local issue or candidate who will affect them.
"People made up their minds fairly early," he said.
And has Delker made up his mind?
One of the candidates has a clear plan for economic development and growth, which he considers the basis for all other issues, he said.
"The other has (a plan) that will not help," Delker said.
