Ozarks Values '08

On this 4th of July, the KY3 Political Notebook launches a new occasional but reoccurring series called Ozarks Values '08.

The series has two goals. First, it's meant to take a snapshot look at the political views of average people around the Ozarks as we head towards the 2008 election cycle. But second, and maybe more importantly, the goal is to try to get a handle on the values that will drive voters decisions as they head to the ballot box over the next year.

We spend lots of time covering issues. Who's for or against something. But history and a considerable amount of data show that it is values that drive people's votes -- especially for president.

What will people find most important in 2008? Likability? Competence? Courage? Experience?
Something else?

The idea is aimed at the presidential race, but we'll also be talking state and local politics with people. The project is meant to build a picture of the issues, attitudes and political preferences of voters here in the Ozarks. It's in no way meant to represent the national -or even the statewide mood. But what we learn here can obviously be compared to other trends.

All the Ozarks Values '08 posts will be filed under the Ozarks Values '08 tab. This is a work in the making, so if you would like to be profiled in Ozarks Values '08, or know someone who would make an intriguing profile, please e-mail me at dcatanese@ky3.com.

I hope to learn a lot along the way.