You've got to hand it to these pundits

By Joanna Massey, Standard-Times staff writer

DARTMOUTH -- Campaign 2000 sure is a nail-biter.

Just ask the folks at The Ultimate Touch nail salon in Dartmouth, where political debate has almost entirely replaced girl talk.

Clients here aren't shy about who they plan to vote for tomorrow and why. In fact, the women who frequent the upscale nail salon on Route 6 have so much to say, employees have asked them to put their opinions in writing -- pre-manicure of course.

The salon set up a presidential ballot box two weeks ago for an informal poll of customers. Co-owner Claudia Rose says the mock election is a hit.

"It's kind of fun just to see if we're right," she said. "Most of the women know who they want and they think this is a great idea."

A case in point is Marilyn Halter, a staunch Democrat who last week was trying to sneak a second vote for Al Gore into the salon's wicker ballot basket.

"I'm pro-choice and Gore has been a strong feminist and promoter of equality for women; Bush hasn't," said the Lakeville resident. "I'm also really concerned about the fact that the next president will select up to four Supreme Court justices. There's a real chance that Roe vs. Wade could be overturned if Bush is put in office."

The vice president is definitely the favorite among Ultimate Touch women and was leading significantly in a pre-count last week of about 40 ballots.

"There are a lot more votes for him than for Bush," said co-owner Wendy daSilva. "But they say that's the way it is for women in general."

"He's just miles above Bush on the issues a lot of women care about," Ms. Halter said.

Not according to Nancy Downing. She voted proudly for the Texas governor during her appointment Thursday.

"I like that Bush wants to give us tax cuts and he's not looking to scare people by giving them misinformation like Gore has," said the 35-year-old Dartmouth mother of two.

"Bush is going to restore dignity to the office. There have been some real morality issues in the past administration and it's time for a change."

Valerie Lacasse, of Acushnet, wrote "Al Gore" on her pink slip of paper before settling in for a French manicure from Mrs. daSilva.

"I work for a bank and I can really see how well the economy is doing," she said. "I want to keep it that way. I like Gore's stance on Social Security, education and abortion. He's more experienced and will make a much better president."

Like other women who came into the salon last week, Mrs. Lacasse said she thought the ballot box was a great idea.

"You couldn't get a better pulse on the community," she said. "Obviously, it's only women, but they're the biggest audience in this election anyway."

The Ultimate Touch staff planned to officially count the ballots Saturday, as the salon would be closed yesterday and today.

"Who knows," said employee Lindsay Daignault. "Maybe it will end up as close as the real election."

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