March 27, 2008
Times-Leader: Hackett favored by some after debate with Meuser
ANDREW M. SEDER aseder@timesleader.com
TUNKHANNOCK - Charlie and Jo-Ann Kraynack came to Wednesday night's debate undecided between congressional candidates Dan Meuser and Chris Hackett. They left favoring one of them.
The couple from Lemon Township, Wyoming County, said they're leaning toward casting their vote in the April 22 primary election for Hackett.
"I came away thinking I know this man," Jo-Ann said.
The couple, registered Republicans, came to the debate with open minds and wanting one of the candidates to separate himself from the other. After listening to the one-hour debate, they both said they believed Hackett did so.
Jo-Ann said she wanted to find out which one was most qualified for the job. She said that while Meuser spoke repeatedly about the success of his company, Pride Mobility, Inc., he relied too heavily on what he's done rather than what he will do.
"Mr. Hackett talks like he's going to try to fix the system rather than saying ‘I'm a qualified businessman," she said.
"I wish Dan would provide more specifics rather than saying ‘I have this experience. I know business,'" Charlie said.
He said that both approaches, talking about experience and talking about what they'll do if elected "has merit" but he appreciated Hackett's tact more.
Carol Schwartztrauber, of Tunkhannock Township, also was undecided and hoping to learn more about the candidates when she walked into the auditorium at the Tunkhannock Area Middle School. She too said Hackett seemed to be the better candidate.
All three said that they can still be swayed up until April 22 but as of Wednesday night, Hackett has their vote.
While Hackett may have Charlie's vote on April 22, he'll have to convince him to do the same in the November general election when the winner between Meuser and Hackett face incumbent Chris Carney, D-Dimock Township.
"I think I have to be swayed not to (support Carney)" Charlie said.
Susan Swanson, of Nicholson, said she sat through the debate and is still undecided though she's leaning "slightly toward Meuser." She said his endorsement by former U.S. Sen. Rick Santorum was a big help and she needed to hear something more from Hackett on Wednesday to convince her to vote for him.
"I liked a lot of what he had to say, but really I'll just be happy as long as either one beats Chris Carney," Swanson said.