Why S.C. Democratic primary voters made their choice
As voters across York, Chester and Lancaster counties cast their ballots in Saturday’s Democratic primary race between Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders, we asked them why they made their decision. Here’s what they said, in their own words.
YORK COUNTY:
Mark Hamilton, 48, of Rock Hill, Winthrop University professor, voter in S.C. for 15 years. Voted for Sanders.
“I think he’s one of the few politicians who can change the status quo, and also because of a lack of trust in Hillary.”
Carlos Gordon, 45, of Rock Hill, chemical operator at Kopper, voted in York County “the last two or three elections.” Voted for Clinton.
“I voted for Hillary because I think she’ll keep the same things in place as Obama.”
John M. Douglas, 69, of Rock Hill, retired from Black & Decker. Voted for Clinton.
“She has more experience... These politicians don’t do anything for the middle class. They do everything for the rich, and we’re left struggling.”
Charlie S. Blake Sr., 75, of Rock Hill, retired from Duff Norton. Voted for Clinton.
“I don’t know Bernie. I hear him talk, but it don’t make sense. The Senate and Congress aren’t going to let him do anything. We’ve got to get rid of them.”
Leroy Jones, 67, of Rock Hill, retired box maker. Voted for Clinton.
“I voted for Hillary because I think she’s better qualified than Bernie Sanders and she’s got a better chance to beat Trump.”
Patricia Dickson, 72, of York, retired bookkeeper for the York School District, voter in S.C. for 50 years. Voted for Clinton.
“I think she’s the best candidate. She has the leadership experience, and she’s a woman, and that’s important for me this time.”
Beth Pierce, 46, of Rock Hill, software engineer. Voted for Sanders
“If Trump gets the Republican nomination, I think he has the best chance of beating him.”
Dennis Joiner, 67, of Rock Hill, retired psychologist. Voted for Clinton
“I’ve been following the Clintons since the early ‘90s. Long time history with civil rights, working for the betterment of the community, the economy prospered under them. I’m just honored to just come and vote for Hillary.”
Michelle Roseborough, 49, of Rock Hill, loan adjuster. Voted for Clinton
“I felt like she had the most experience with her being a former senator and she was also the Secretary of State. I feel like she has already developed relationships with presidents or other people who are in a presidential position, so I feel like she’s the most experienced and most suited person for the job.”
— Bristow Marchant and Michael Owens
LANCASTER COUNTY:
Eirel Robertson, 31, of Lancaster, painter, voter in S.C. for 7 years. Voted for Clinton.
"I voted for Hillary because of her beliefs. I want to see her move the country in the right direction."
Linda Blackmon-Brace, 60, of Lancaster, former city council member and real estate business owner, voter in S.C. for 28 years. Voted for Clinton.
"I am a diehard Hillary fan. I support her because she has been working under 2 presidents since she has been Secretary of State and has been with her husband Bill. I think is about the qualification and experience. I've been out since 2015 campaigning for her. I think she's the most qualified for the position."
Edward Duncan, 54, of Lancaster, retired operator at Hadden House foods, voter in S.C. for 36 years. Voted for Clinton.
"I voted for Hillary because I think she has the most experience in the Democratic Party."
Clinton Duncan, 61, of Lancaster, social worker, voter in S.C. for 43 years. Voted for Clinton.
"I voted for Hillary because I think she's the most qualified to be president."
Andrea Price, 28, of Lancaster, a testing center worker, voter in S.C. for 10 years. Voted for Clinton.
"Every time I hear her speak it seems like she's for everyone and not just one group in particular."
Khaylyn Glenn, 26, of Lancaster, customer sales representative, voter in S.C. for eight years. Voted for Clinton.
"I voted for Hillary because she will bring something new to the table and give the younger generation more opportunities."
— Catherine Lowe, Special to the Herald
CHESTER COUNTY:
Jane Robinson, 62, of Chester, retired, last voted eight years ago. Voted for Clinton.
“I voted for Hillary because I believe she is the most eligible candidate for the United States president to take care of the people’s concerns.”
Dawn Lifsey, 19, of Chester, student, first-time voter. Voted for Sanders.
“I voted for Sen. Bernie Sanders, because I really think America needs to get with the programs when it comes to healthcare and with social policies especially.”
Khalil Davis, 20, of Chester, student, first time voter. Voted for Sanders
“I voted for Bernie Sanders because I feel like his political views fit what I want for the country and I feel like he is going to make it better for me and my peers.”
— Hannah Strong
This story was originally published February 27, 2016 at 4:11 PM with the headline "Why S.C. Democratic primary voters made their choice."