WINDBER — Civilian journalism has come to Windber.
Windber resident Chuck Burkhard found himself sought after by CNN as an iReporter.
Burkhard, 39, a support specialist for Atlantic Broadband, pontificated on the election with a number of postings on CNN’s Internet site. He is one of more than 1,000 people nationwide who posted their opinions Tuesday.
“I commented on the debates and gave my 2 cents on the issues,” Burkhard said. “When you get 400 people to comment on one of your reports, it’s exciting.”
He also said a few thousand people viewed an online video he posted.
CNN whisked Burkhard to Pittsburgh, where he appeared on “Prime News.”
Burkhard told The Tribune-Democrat his reasons for supporting Republican John McCain.
“He’s pro-life,” he said. “He wants a tax cut for everybody, not just redistribute wealth.”
Northern Cambria County voters turned out early to cast their ballots. Pleasant weather and a high-profile election were credited for about one-third of voters arriving before 2 p.m. at most locales.
In the tiny village of Emeigh in Susquehanna Township, Janet Whited said 22 voters had made their decisions by 7:16 a.m.
“There was a line when it opened at 7,” Whited, the judge of elections there, said.
Whited added that there were 250 votes cast by 2 p.m.
There are 750 voters registered at the site, which is in the basement of Emeigh United Methodist Church.
“For us, this kind of turnout is really good,” Whited said.
“We’ll get a big push later, between 4 and 8 p.m.”
The church offered a bake sale and hot sandwiches for sale as a fundraiser while the polls were open.
In the village of Nicktown, which is one of two wards in Barr Township, the 400th voter cast his ballot at 12:30 p.m.
There are about 1,200 voters registered in that precinct, with the other township precinct located in the village of Marsteller.
Sam Barbato of the Roxbury section of Johnstown cast his vote for Barack Obama at Roxbury Church of the Brethren on Sell Street.
“Obama is young and energetic and knowledgeable of this country,” he said. “I know he’ll do a good job because he was a good leader in Chicago and he’ll be good for this country. It’s time for a change in Washington, and I’ll think we’ll see a Democratic sweep all over the country.”
He believed U.S. Rep. John Murtha would win by a large margin.
“He’s done so much for this area, and we just can’t replace him,” Barbato said.
Stephanie Lee, 20, a student at Pennsylvania Highlands Community College, was voting for the first time in a presidential election.
“This is a very important election and a crucial time in our country,” she said from the polling place at the City View in Westmont.
Lee voted a straight Democratic ticket, and believed Obama would be able to reform issues such as health care and Social Security.
“He’s for the younger people, and hopefully we can see some change,” she said. “People at school have been talking about this election, and those my age are interested.”
Also at the City View, Dar Gibson, 21, a student at UPJ, was voting for the first time.
“This is fantastic, to be able to be a part of this whole experience and share in the biggest election ever in this country,” the Westmont resident said.
He cast his vote for Obama and said he likes his poise and feels he can relate better to him.
“At UPJ there’s been a lot of buzz on campus because this is an exciting time for everyone,” Gibson said. “It’s time to have a better American.”
Brownstown resident Steve Yuran wanted a change and thought Obama is the man for the job.
“The Republicans have been in power for too long, and I believe Obama is someone we can depend on,” he said from the Brownstown Community Center. “What will be, will be, but Obama is better than what we have now.”
Staff writers Patrick Buchnowski and Julie Benamati contributed to this story.
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