Election Day forecasts varied from person to person Tuesday, reflecting not only the ambivalence of the university on this election, but of the state and nation as a whole.

Amy Baker, senior in biology, for example, said she’s not talking politics.

“I care about the election,” Baker said. “But I don’t know a whole lot about politics.”

Other students, though, are willing to share their opinions and predictions.

Sarah Meyer, junior in management, said she voted Tuesday and predicted Kerry would win Iowa.

“I want Bush to win, but Kerry might pull it off,” she said.

Rich Mercer, owner of Mercer Engineering, said part of him thinks Kerry is going to win, but he just hopes it’s not a tie.

“Neither candidate is qualified, and I don’t see either candidate doing what needs to be done,” Mercer said. “I don’t have strong convictions for either side. I’ll live with it either way.”

Bob Kelly, of Ames, on the other hand, said he voted last week at a satellite station but said it took something out of the experience.

“It’s like going to a football game versus watching it on TV,” Kelly said. “It’s more vibrant in person.”

He predicted Bush as the overall winner.

“Bush is going to win by a large enough margin that won’t be controversial,” Kelly said.

Tara Clapp, assistant professor of community and regional planning, can’t vote because she’s not a citizen but said she’s still interested in the election.

“I’m hoping that Kerry wins,” Clapp said. “There’s been too much underhanded dealings, not admitting mistakes and lying to the public by the current administration.”