OSKALOOSA — Community Newspaper Holding Incorporated, the Oskaloosa Herald’s parent company, has embarked on an effort to gauge what undecided voters are thinking as the 2008 presidential election draws near.

From a nine-state area, CNHI, with the help of the local media, is assembling a 45-member panel of undecided voters to monitor as the election draws near. The hope is to get a better understanding of what a representative sample of Americans think on various issues and how the debates will shape their presidential preference.

One member of that panel is Diane Brand, of New Sharon. The 40-year-old Brand, who is married, works full-time as the New Sharon City Clerk.

The high school-educated Brand describes herself as a Democrat, but has voted Republican in the past. Her religion is Christian.

For the initial interview, Brand was asked 10 CNHI-formulated questions with followups. During the next few weeks as the debates transpire and more information becomes available, followup interviews with Brand will be conducted to determine what if anything has moved her to one party or the other.

The 10 CNHI questions:

1. Why are you undecided at this stage of the 2008 campaign?

“I would like to know more about each candidate.”

Do you expect to make up your mind before Nov. 4?

“Yes”

Are you leaning to one ticket or the other at this juncture?

“Yes”

2. Where do you get your information about the candidates and how they stand on the issues?

“Television and Internet.”

3. What are the three most important issues — in order of priority — that matter to you in this election?

“Economy, Economy, Economy.”

4. Have the candidates addressed these issues to your satisfaction yet?

“No.”

If not, what would you like to know about these issues from them?

“How will they improve the economy?”

5. What character traits are important to you in a presidential candidate?

“Honesty and trustworthiness.”

6. Has the U.S. come far enough in race relations to elect an African- American to the presidency?

“Absolutely.”

7. Are age and gender factors in the election?

“No.”

Will they have any influence on how you vote?

“No.”

8. How important are the running mates in this election?

“I feel they are very important since they could one day be president.”

How will they influence your decision?

“They will definitely influence my decision.”

9. Can the next president actually do something about the higher cost of everyday essentials like food, clothing, gasoline and energy?

“I would like to think they could, yes.”

If so, what are your expectations?

“My expectations are probably similar to most Americans, lower prices on food, clothing, gas, etc.”

10. How significant are the debates to your choice for president?

“Somewhat.”

Herald City Editor Michael Schaffer can be reached by email at mschaffer@oskyherald.com