Dutchess County votes for Clinton, McCain

MILLERTON – Presidential hopefuls Hillary Clinton and John McCain took New York during what was called the "Super Duper" Tuesday primary.

Twenty-four states, as well as American Samoa, held either caucuses or primary elections on Tuesday where 52 percent of the Democratic and 41 percent of the Republican delegates were awarded.

In New York, 280 Democratic delegates and 101 Republican delegates were awarded.

In Millerton and North East, glitches were reported when polls opened at noon due to the voting booth at both locations being locked.

"We're not ready for business yet," election inspector Diane Price said at the Millerton Library. "We're waiting for a key. But we haven't turned anyone away because they can vote by paper ballot if they can't wait."

By law, paper ballots are allowed if the voting machine is deemed inoperable.

The voting custodian arrived to unlock both machines within 20 minutes.

In North East, a long line was seen at Town Hall when the poll opened.

Clinton supporter Brenda Fields said this year's primary was extremely important.

"We're at war, the economy is down and I think this is very crucial," Fields said. "It's going to be a very close election."

Gary Herron said the issue he was following was amnesty for illegal immigrants.

"I've been waiting in line for a half hour to vote," Herron said. "I probably will be voting for Romney."

North East election official John Campbell said he hoped for a good turnout.

"It's the democratic way, isn't it?" Campbell said.

According to the Dutchess County Board of Elections, Clinton was the most voted for by Democrats in the region with 10,202 votes, followed by Barack Obama with 9,338 votes, John Edwards with 244 votes, Bill Richardson with 179 votes, Dennis Kucinich with 133votes and Joe Biden with 52 votes.

On the Republican side, McCain was the most voted for with 6,814 votes, Mitt Romney with 4,137 votes, Mike Huckabee with 1,326 votes, Ron Paul with 946 votes Rudy Giuliani with 343 votes.

As of press time, all results are unofficial.