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Exit polling on Tuesday in the Ogdensburg area showed support for both incumbents and challengers in the presidential and 21st Congressional District races.
Fresh from casting her ballot at Lisbons Hepburn Library. Kathleen Tani, Lisbon, said she didnt do what she did in 2008: vote for President Barack Obama.
Four years and you dont do anything, get out, said Miss Tani, a farmer. I dont think hes the leader that we need. I voted for Mitt Romney.
In the 21st District contest, Miss Tani also chose to skip the incumbent, in this case, Rep. William L. Owens, D-Plattsburgh.
I went with Matt Doheny, she said, referring to the Republican challenger from Watertown.
Voters here expressed a mix bag of sentiment in their balloting.
Enough is enough. The economy is tanking. Its time for a fresh face. The president needs another four years.
Larry A. Dufore, a Republican from Ogdensburg, stayed on the party line. For him, its Mr. Romney and Mr. Doheny all the way.
The economy, Mr. Dufore, a corrections officer, said outside the Dobisky Center polling place. He (President Obama) hasnt done anything for me. Its all about the economy for me.
Point taken, said Cathy M. Beyette, of Ogdensburg. Still, she believed it was better to stick with the president, a Democrat like her.
I think he needs another four years to keep things going, she said.
Mr. Owens, meanwhile, has proved himself to be an effective congressman.
He listens to the people, Mrs. Beyette said.
Charles A. Carter, of Ogdensburg, stayed with his GOP affiliation in voting for president.
He (President Obama) just didnt do a very good job in his first four years, Mr. Carter said.
Mr. Carter was also impressed with Mr. Doheny, a successful former Wall Street investment banker.
I think hes a pretty smart man, he said.
Joseph Baker, of Ogdensburg and an independent, voted for Mr. Romney albeit with little enthusiasm. He has even less regard for the president.
Mr. Bakers concern as he voted could be put in two words.
Debt crisis, he said.
Michael R. Denoncourt, of Ogdensburg, decided to stay with the president, a fellow Democrat. Dont blame Mr. Obama for the countrys economic troubles, he said.
I feel that he inherited this mess from the Republicans, Mr. Denoncourt said.
But Mr. Denoncourt was impressed enough with Mr. Doheny to cross the party line and vote for him.
We need jobs, he said. Give him a chance.
Margaret Backus, of Lisbon and a Romney supporter, did just that.
Anybody who can make money like that knows about the economy, she said.