NPR: Independents in Independence Torn Between Choices

Independents in Independence Torn Between Choices

Brian Larson is typical of many of the independents in the Midwest. Larson, 42, is a union electrician from Independence, Mo. And yes, he is a Democrat — but maybe in name only.

"Some of the main issues for me are government spending and problems with the economy caused by the housing crisis," Larson told NPR reporter Jason Beaubien. "We've got to get a handle on it."

And he's not happy with the direction the country is going. He sees it "spiraling down out of control" if the country's leaders don't solve issues like immigration.

And who will he vote for? Well, he's not sure. He says he's torn between Democrat Hillary Clinton and Republican Ron Paul. But he has some reservations about Clinton.

"I hate to put another Clinton in office, just create a 22-year dynasty between two families (Bush, Clinton, Bush, Clinton)."

Although he's a Democrat, he also think that "...the clear lines between the two parties have gone away; it's just a big mess."

5:59 PM ET | 02- 5-2008 | permalink

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