Local voters weigh in on Clinton's chances

For Debbie Dionne, the 2008 presidential race is uncharted territory.

With Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton leading the Democratic field, local voters like Dionne are considering whether the country is ready for a female president.

"I am not quite sure she can be as strong as a male in that position, in a presidential position," said Dionne, of Lake Stevens. "It seems it's always been for men. Men are always the strongest."

Dionne was among a handful of shoppers outside Alderwood mall in Lynnwood who weighed in on the possibility of a female president Monday afternoon.

Barbara Vale, a former Seattleite now living in San Diego, has family in the Midwest. She said the mindset in the middle of the country is more conservative and makes her think the country is not ready for a female president.

"I hope the chances are better," Vale said. "But I don't think a female president will get elected [next year]."

But most people questioned brushed aside Clinton's gender, focusing instead on her history and experience.

"I think there's a love-hate relationship with Hillary," said Rebecca Wynne, 26, of Everett. "But I think if anybody knows what it's like to be in that hot seat, I think she knows. She's seen it through and she's lived through it."

To others, the thought of having another Clinton in the White House, not Hillary Clinton's gender, stops them from voting for the former first lady.

"One Clinton was enough," said Shane Cooprider, 30, who was visiting from Iowa.

His wife, Kim, said she's pondering her options, but would not vote for Clinton based on gender.

"I would vote for a female president, but I don't know if I would necessarily vote for Hillary," Cooprider said. "A few years ago, back in college, I might have done it just because she's a woman, but I think I have advanced from that."

Lynnwood resident Gloria Chard, 75, is deciding between Barack Obama and Clinton, while her friend Clare Jones, 86, decided she will vote for Hillary, in part because it would bring Bill Clinton back to the White House.

To which Chard replied: "That makes it better."

Manuel Valdes: mvaldes@seattletimes.com or 206-748-5874