Environmentally Minded Americans Weigh In on the 2012 Presidential Race

Are "Green" issues only important to liberal Democrats or do Earth-friendly advocates support fiscal conservatives as well? Americans are concerned about many issues during these trying economic times, but sometimes it is difficult to sift through all of the partisan rhetoric and determine which candidate fosters a belief system most in line with your own.

Although the 2012 United States presidential election is more than 400 days away, eco-minded Americans are already picking their favorite candidate to become the next commander in chief.

What my Twitter followers from around the country had to say on the topic:

* "I am not happy with the broken campaign promises of President Obama, but I would never cast a ballot for a Republican." -- Shannon Childs, graduate student at Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.

* "I have not yet made up my mind. Typically I vote for a Democrat, but have grown tired of broken promises and out of control spending. The debt I already have from student loans is only compounded by my share of the growing national debt now. I now trust Tea Party endorsements more than those of my traditional party affiliation." -- Jay Wilson, student at University of Florida, Gainesville, Fla.

* "My vote will go to the person who actually has a track record of living up to their word on environmental issues. Words are cheap. Government spending for frivolous projects is out of control. Time will tell, but right now I am not voting for Obama again." -- Nick Taylor, forestry worker, Dayton, Ohio.

* "Stick with the devil you know. President Obama has all but abandoned the goals of the Democratic Party, but he is still better than the alternative. Unless a strong Democratic challenger enters the race as an independent, I will vote for him again," -- Todd Clarey, educator, Louisville, Ky.

* "I have always considered myself and independent and am now feel like I fit most with the Tea Party. I have not made my mind up yet, but would love to see Rick Perry enter the race." Susan Stewart, small business owner, Bradenton, Fla.

* "I voted for President Obama once because he promised to make clean air and water a priority. He still has some time to fulfill those promises, but not much. I don't know if I could vote Republican, but am keeping abreast of what the GOP candidates are saying just in case." -- Robert Goodwin, photography student at Kent State, Covington, Ky.

* "No matter how disappointing President Obama has been on environmental issues, a Republican would be worse. Maybe I would consider tossing my vote away on an independent candidate just so the Democratic Party realizes it can't take the youth vote for granted." -- Brianna Harper, graduate student at University of South Carolina, Charleston, S.C.

* "I am not sure who I am going to vote for yet. I wish I could melt together the man candidate Obama was with the fiscally responsible mindset of Chris Christie. I want a liberal's view on ecological issues but a conservative's view on entitlement funding. Is there such a person? Time will tell." Cecilia Hedrick, jewelry maker, Cleveland.

* "I still have plenty of faith in President Obama. It is infuriating that so many Democrats are losing sight of the overall worth of having a man who believes in both social justice and protecting the environment in office." -- Shala Jackson, homemaker, Chicago.