Shelley is a single mother in East Tennessee. A self-proclaimed "Democrat in a Republican state," she feels and sees the struggles of Americans every day. Shelley's daughter is 12 years old and just started seventh grade.
I'm having to cut down on food just to cover the gas prices. I've given up the little luxuries like going out to eat because I just can't afford it. Everything is taking a bite. I had to figure out a way to even buy my daughter school clothes this year.
For four years, Shelley was stationed in Marquette, Michigan with the Air Force. As a veteran, she is ready for the war in Iraq to be over.
My brother was in the Marines for 15 years, and he agrees that it's time for them to come home. It should be over by now. And here in Tennessee in places like Nashville you see people come home for three months, and then they are sent back out again. These kids are doing 2, 3, and 4 tours and it's just too much.
Shelley is also concerned about the skyrocketing cost of health care.
I don't have health insurance. I have to pay cash every time I need to see the doctor. And my prescriptions are all out of pocket. I can't even afford to get my teeth cleaned. My daughter is able to get insurance under her father's plan, but if she weren’t, I would have to pay for state coverage. And even my sister, who has health insurance, is paying up to $50 for one prescription.
Shelley said that her entire family, including her die-hard Republican brother, are all supporters of Barack. They are ready for a new perspective in Washington. And even though she sees McCain yard signs all over her neighborhood, Shelley says she has hope for this fall.
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