ON THE ISSUES: HEALTH CLINTON - As director of the DeWitt County Friendship Center, Sissy Leggett has a front-row seat for conversations about the upcoming presidential election.

"They are concerned about the future of the country and they all feel that it is their duty to be informed and to vote," said Leggett, 49, who has led the Clinton-based senior center for two years. "One topic that often comes up is health care and that is because all seniors are concerned about health care. They all want a better system and a system that everyone can rely on. They want something less expensive and something that not only works for the seniors, but works for their children and grandchildren, as well. When it comes to health-care matters, seniors often have a couple of generations they are concerned with."

Clinton resident Kaitlyn Martin, 18, a freshman at Millikin University in Decatur, has a different perspective. This will be her first-ever election and health care isn't much of an issue for her or her friends, yet.

"I think that is something I will be concerned about as I get older," said Martin, who wants to major in education. "Right now, I know it is important, but I haven't heard the candidates speak much about it. The focus seems to be on the economy and that's what I'm more concerned about."

When she enters the work force four years from now, the new president will be finishing his first term.

"At that point, I might have a different perspective, but it will probably still be based on the economy," she said. "I'll have student loans and will be looking for a job, so creating job opportunities is going to be important."

Leggett herself has questions about the health-care system and potential changes under a new president.

"Listening to the seniors talk about the possibilities makes me wonder as well," Leggett said. "We are starting to get pamphlets in our home mail discussing the various health-care differences between the two candidates and it's time I sat down and read through them. I'm looking at what's best for myself and my family, but also I want to look out for what's best for our friends here at the Friendship Center as well."

Food and beverage salesman Bill Hindelang of Lincoln doesn't believe health care is likely to decide the election this year.

"When Hillary Clinton was in the running, it seemed like there was more discussion about health-care options and health-care plans," said Hindelang, who works for Coca-Cola Enterprises in Springfield. "I think the candidates still try to spend time talking about it so the undecided voters believe there is a plan out there, but with all of the other issues, it seldom gets discussed unless one of the candidates is making a speech at a health-care rally or something."

Like many others, issues concerning the financial health of the country will be on his mind in the election.

"I don't worry about health care much," he said. "I've got a private plan that covers my family. Of course, I always will want it to be less expensive and cover more."

During discussions at the center, Leggett hears grumbling about the candidates' positions on key topics and realizes some voters are better informed than others.

"But many times, we know people who have voted for their party no matter what and even though an issue such as health care is very important, it probably isn't the type of issue that is going to sway someone who has voted for one particular party for 50 years or so," she said.

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Where they stand

Highlights of plans by presidential candidates Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama.

Health care

• McCain: Restore control to patients; reform tax code to offer more choices beyond employer-based health insurance coverage; make insurance more portable; encourage and expand benefits of health savings accounts for families; ensure care for higher-risk patients; work with states to establish a guaranteed access plan; promote proper incentives; lower health care costs.

• Obama: Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums; create a small business health tax; establish a national health insurance exchange; reduce costs and save a typical family up to $2,500; commit to fiscal responsibility.

SOURCES: www.johnmccain.com/Informing/Issues/, www.barackobama.com/issues/