Published: September 06, 2008 10:20 pm         

Valley residents say Obama can take U.S. in a new direction

TERRE HAUTE — Clark County, Ill., resident Beverly Cornwell is concerned about the economy and the declining standard of living for many Americans.

The 58-year-old believes Barack Obama is the presidential candidate who can turn things around. She was one of more than 900 people who heard him speak Saturday at the Wabash Valley Fairgrounds.

“I just think most people are worse off now than they have been for a long time,” she said. “I see a lot of people who are struggling to feed their families and keep the bills paid.”

She said she’ll “definitely” vote for Obama. She especially likes his message that the election “is not about the politicians. It’s about the people.”

Her husband, Larry Cornwell, a retired ironworker who previously served in the military, also is an ardent Obama supporter.

The most important issue to him is the war in Iraq and bringing the troops home. “What other issue is there?” said the 70-year-old. “One drop of blood shed in Iraq is an abomination … I’m speaking for the 4,000 [troops] who have died.”

Fifty-year-old Yolanda Turner of Terre Haute says Obama “is exactly what we need right now.”

“This country is in such turmoil with jobs and health care — and all our boys over there fighting in a war that should have been over a long time ago,” Yolanda Turner said. “If he can change any of that, and I believe he can, I think he’s exactly what we need.”

Her daughter, Lachelle Turner, 27, said she’s never been more hopeful and inspired in her life.

In past elections, her parents had to call her to remind her to vote. “But not this time,” Lachelle Turner said.

She likes Obama’s straightforward approach to the issues. Lachelle Turner also could relate to many of the issues Obama touched on. She’s a single mother, full-time student and full-time employee. She also knows what it’s like to go without health care.

She feels the brunt of the ailing economy every day, she said. “I think [Obama] can come in and turn all that around.”

Sean Harris, 35, of Brazil, doesn’t consider himself a Republican or Democrat. “I want the best president for our country,” he said. He wanted to hear what Obama had to say, and he’s leaning toward voting for the Democratic senator from Illinois.

The war in Iraq is at the top of his list in terms of issues. He agrees with Obama that “it’s time for the Iraqis to take responsibility” for their own country. “The longer we basically run the show for them, they’re going to let us do it,” Harris said.

Now a full-time Indiana State University student, Harris previously served in the military.

His wife, April, 37, isn’t really into politics, but she was excited about going to see Barack Obama.

“I loved it,” she said, and she learned more about his positions on the issues.

The issues of greatest concern to her are jobs, housing and health insurance. She works but doesn’t have health insurance.

She also knows a lot of people who are losing their homes. “I know I’ll vote for him [Obama],” she said.

Holly Curtsinger, 29, of West Terre Haute, was especially interested in Obama’s position on early childhood education, which he plans to make a high priority if elected. “My background is in early childhood education, so that really hit home with me,” she said.

In the United States, children often don’t start school until they are ages 5 or 6, and she believes that’s too late.

She has typically voted Republican, but she is leaning toward voting Democratic in this presidential election. “I think he has a lot of good ideas,” Curtsinger said. “I think it’s time for change” in the White House.

Trilla Stalling, 24, of Terre Haute, likes Obama’s ideas on making college more affordable and on ending the war Iraq. She also supports his views on how to make the country less dependent on foreign oil.



Sue Loughlin can be reached at (812) 231-4235 or sue.loughlin@tribstar.com.