“I have not heard from either on the issue of managing an effective government,” he said. “But it is assumed that Obama would work with the Democratic Congress and McCain is known for crossing the aisles. Obama has not said enough on defense and his strategy changes often.”

Duane Roberts, a 29-year-old entrepreneur from Johnstown, Pa., said he is worried about the economy and how the government will pay for a $700 billion economic relief packaged passed by Congress last week.

“Where is the money going to come from, because I really don’t have much more to give?” said Roberts, who is single and makes less than $40,000 a year. “I’ve given about all I can give. To be honest with you, I need a little bit of it back.”

Twenty voters said the candidates’ ages — McCain is 72, Obama 47 — will not affect the election’s outcome, though several said McCain’s seniority made his choice of a running mate that much more important.

Charles Nestell, of Omena, Mich., said he worries McCain’s health might not hold up for a four-year White House term.

“That’s why I kind of want to know more about who Sarah Palin is and her own individual ideas, instead of the rhetoric,” Nestell said of the Alaska governor joining McCain on the Republican ticket.

More than two-thirds of the voters said they believe race relations have progressed enough that the United States is ready to elect its first black president.

“One of the biggest reasons I want to vote for Obama is that he is not a white male,” Taylor said. “I am not opposed to white males and would not vote for him if I didn't agree in part with some of his policies. But I also think this is a historic opportunity. It is time we move beyond race, religion, and gender in selecting our president. It is time as a country that we focus on qualifications and character.”

Some, however, expressed concern about Obama’s safety should he win that distinction.

“There are some sick people out there, and they’ve already been in the news,” said Kimberly McKerchie, 29, of Traverse City, Mich. “I fear for him and his little girls.”

Anderson of Blue Earth said, “I believe the general population probably has (come far enough in race relations), but it only takes one nut case to assassinate the president.”

Added Barna, “There will be those on both sides who will always be extreme, but in general, the U.S. has been ready for quite a while. Colin Powell could have been elected a few years back.”

Four out of five voters said they do not believe Palin’s gender will affect the election.

“I want a leader, and I don’t care if they’re black, white, female, Democrat or Republican,” said Anson Burlingame, 66, of Joplin, Mo. “I want a real leader that’s going to knock that stuff off and reach down to the strengths of America and bring them to the surface and move forward.”

Said Anderson, “Reality is everything is a factor — who they are is a package deal. It would be foolish to not consider all the aspects of the person you are voting for which includes age and/or gender. That doesn’t necessarily mean those factors are negative things, it simply means they are factors.”