I support Hillary's positions on with-drawing our troops in Iraq, making free trade fair trade, removing the tax giveaways to the rich, helping home-owners from being foreclosed -- but mostly I support her health care program. Just as there would be no Social Security and Medicare benefits without mandatory contributions, so there will never be affordable health care without everyone having to contribute. With Hillary, the dreams of past Democratic presidents, such as Harry Truman, will finally be realized.

Penny Boslett-Smith, Wilkins

She has a proven track record. The experience alone in the White House enables her first hand to know the pitfalls and limitations of the Presidency.

She knows how to work with the Senate on important issues. The Presidency is not a dictatorship, not one person saying I'm putting an end to such and such and turning this country around.

I know and trust Hilary. I don't know Obama except what he chooses to tell me.

Clintons years in the White House turned our economy around, good productive years.

Phyllis Gabler, Bridgeville

I actually like both candidates but I am supporting Obama because he is an intellectual with heart. He knows how to think rationally about issues and to think outside the box. He has more charisma than Hillary which he will need in the general election. Yes, Hillary is knowledgeable and tough but she lacks that certain spark that will inspire people to be part of the solution. A race between Obama and McCain will also be less divisive than a race between Hillary and . . . anyone.

Miriam E Lindauer, Scott

It seems to me, from months of watching Senator Obama, that he is honest, articulate, principled, thoughtful, and dignified. He was opposed to the fiasco in Iraq from the beginning. Unlike his opponent, he could see the trees for the forest. That speaks strongly to his judgment. He has wisely demonstrated restraint in dealing with his opposition and that leaves him room to work with them when the dust settles. That characteristic, rather than antagonism, is one that is needed to reach across the aisle and to reach out to other nations, both friend and foe alike, from the white House.

David Turner, Mt. Lebanon