Voters have the final say in Florida Republican primary

The polls and the pundits can say whatever they want but in the end, the only thing that matters in an election is what the voters say.

Today in Manatee County and across the state, and after 10 days of a campaign that went into their homes via their televisions and their telephones, Republicans are having the final say in campaign for the Florida's 50 presidential nominating delegates.

This morning, and throughout the day, Bradenton Herald reporters have been talking with voters to see what they think.

Here is the story so far:

MANATEE -- Manatee County Republicans are headed to the polls today to cast their ballots in the GOP presidential primary. 

Dr. Jeffrey Thompson, a Bradenton dentist, voted at the Christ Episcopal Church precinct this morning. 

He voted for former Massachusetts governor Mitt Romney. 

"I think we need a businessman," Thompson said. 

Top concerns for Thompson were education -- he is the father of four -- and healthcare, being a healthcare provider. 

Also voting at Christ Episcopal Church was Ron Koval, who declined to say who he voted for. 

"It's secret ballot," Koval said, but added that he voted for the candidate he thought would continue to the end of the election campaign and win the presidency. 

Voting was steady throughout the morning at the precinct, but there were no lines. 

Polls will be open until 7 p.m. at 117 polling places, according to Bob Sweat, Manatee’s supervisor of elections. 

Commissioner Robin DiSabatino, anticipating a long county commission workshop meeting this morning, said she took advantage of early voting last week. 

"It was a breeze," she said, adding, "My husband did it, too." 

Early voting ended Saturday. 

DiSabatino said she missed going to her regular voting place, Beautiful Savior Lutheran Church, 7461 Prospect Road. 

"I do like going to my precinct," she said. "I like to be involved." 

About 1,100 poll workers are on the job. 

Many Manatee County residents have already voted, either during early voting days that lasted through Jan. 28, or via absentee ballot. 

About 2,211 voted early, and a little over 10,000 voters as of Monday had made their choice with an absentee ballot, Sweat said. 

“We’re still getting those in, but right now, we have a little over 10,000,” he said late Monday.“We’ll get more mail this afternoon, and twice tomorrow,” he added.

Read more here: http://www.bradenton.com/2012/01/31/v-print/3832885/republican-presidential-primary.html#storylink=cpy