Taking their chances as they ice fish in warmer than normal conditions, some New Hampshire voters say climate change is a top concern and are leaning Democrat, while others say they'll vote Trump, given the state of the economy.
Pondering politics over ice fishing ahead of NH primary
Amid warnings of potentially dangerous conditions, New Hampshire residents headed onto Lake Winnipesaukee for the annual ice fishing derby in Meredith on Saturday (February 8), just days before many will head to the polls for the primary.
And while they came to enjoy a relaxing day with family and friends, politics was still top of mind, including concerns about this winter's warmer than usual temperatures.
A large sign read: "Pass at own risk, ice condition unknown".
"Twenty-five years ago we had more snow, we had more ice.
There was never really a question," said Michael Laramie, a plumber, who cited climate change as his top concern in this year's election.
"But now, we're skeptical of the ice conditions, and it's because it's warmer." While he leans Democratic, he said he was still undecided about who he would cast a ballot for on Tuesday (February 11).
His friend, Dave Lacroix, an engineer, has also not decided, but said he is open to voting for a Democrat despite his conservative inclinations.
"I think Democrats need to come back to the center.
In fact, I think politics as a whole needs to come back to the center," he said.
Lacroix had declined to vote for U.S. President Donald Trump in 2016 - partially over his disparaging comments of then-Senator John McCain - and would not vote for him again this year.
But over in the next hut, Eric Peterson, a construction worker who was fishing with his son, said he would gladly vote for Trump again.
"I think he's done a good job for us.
I honestly, honestly do," said Peterson, citing the economy.
"He's supplied us with this new ice house that we can come out here and fish." And while attendee Roz Jones, a resident of Massachusetts, would not be voting in the New Hampshire primary, she said she would be closely watching the results.
"New Hampshire is 'live free or die' so I tend to think they're going to go toward a more moderate candidate," she said.
"That's my gut."