Things could be better

Star Tribune Sun, 30 Mar 2008 03:24:56 GMT
Meltdown on main

As the presidential candidates focus on the slumping economy, voters in the political battleground of Anoka live with today's realities. The city, divided by the river and politics, is one to watch. When John Campisi and Ani Sorenson bought J.O. Donoghue Books in downtown Anoka 18 months ago, they understood the gamble of a new business. But neither foresaw an economy tumbling so quickly that it would become a major issue in the presidential campaign. For Campisi, a conservative, and Sorenson, a liberal, the evidence is on their shelves: "We are selling fewer books and buying more" from customers trading books for cash, Campisi said. Along Main Street in Anoka, a condo project and retail developments have stalled. Foreclosures in the northern suburb have soared from 349 during the year of the last presidential election to 1,680 in 2007. "We're the 50-yard-line on the economy," said Tom Gorman, owner of G's Cafe on Main Street. Anoka, derived from a Dakota word meaning "on both sides of the river," is geographically and politically divided. It is one of a dozen metro-area cities that split their vote nearly equally between George Bush and John Kerry in 2004. It's also likely to be a key political battleground this year. And how Anoka votes in 2008 could well pivot on what the candidates say on crucial Main Street issues: Jobs. Taxes. Foreclosures. Wages.

[[keywords: Living;Elections;Metro;]]