Few voters rate the campaign finance issue itself very highly among national priorities.
In interviews yesterday, strategists in both parties said McCain, the Republican, and Bradley, the Democrat, both hope to solidify their images, especially among independents, as innovators willing to take on the established interests gathered around Texas Governor George W. Bush and Vice President Al Gore. The meeting has also served to focus attention on the state's swelling ranks of independent voters, and whether they may place a decisive role in the outcome of either, or both, party primaries on Feb. 1. John McCain tells you what he thinks and what he'll do. I like that. We've had too many liars in the White House,'' said Lucille Bradley, a retired nurse from Manchester who said she regrets having voted for Bill Clinton.