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EDITOR'S NOTE: What's on the minds of Butler County voters as they prepare to vote in the presidential election? In this series of stories leading up to November, we let them tell us.

LIBERTY TWP. — Stay-at-home mother of three, Ann Becker, is an avid fan of politics.

Although "Elmo" and "Sponge Bob" dominate her television, Becker gets RSS feeds on her computer that direct her to news stories of interest via e-mail.

"It's kind of a hobby," she said.

When selecting a candidate, Becker said she looks at issues that most affect her. Trust is the key, as well as follow through on promises. She is anti-abortion, in favor of changing Social Security and favors the appointment of conservative judges who won't legislate from the bench.

Even though Sen. John McCain wasn't her first choice in the primaries, he will be her choice Nov. 4.

"I love Sarah Palin," Becker said. "When she gave that speech in Dayton — when he announced her — I was crying. She's a role model for me in an area in politics where I never had a role model before. She could be me. She's a mom, she's in the PTA ... I really like the fact that she wants to have a really open government. She's honest with the people. She didn't have much time in office, but she really got down to business in the time she was there."

Becker was so moved by Palin's conviction, she sent money to McCain's campaign. And while some people criticize Palin for working outside the home, Becker said given the chance, she, too, would take it.

"I assume she has a lot of help. If I really felt called to do something, and I felt it was my time to do it, and I had the right help in place, I don't know if I would feel bad ... She seems like she's got it pretty well under control."

Contact this reporter at

(513) 755-5067

or

lhilty@coxohio.com

.