Some Iowans ready to change course

(AP) - Turnout was strong across the state Tuesday evening as voters continued to weigh in on the most expensive governor's race in state history and a polarizing campaign to try to oust state Supreme Court justices who backed a ruling allowing gay marriage.

For some voters, Election Day was also a chance to signal Washington and President Barack Obama that they were unhappy with the direction the country was headed.

"I voted mostly Republican. I think some of (Obama's) policies are a little bit too social. We need to rein him in," insurance company worker Jodi Alberts, 47, said after voting in her hometown of Windsor Heights, near Des Moines.

Tricia Quinlan, 37, who also works in the insurance industry, said she was worried about some Obama administration policies.

"I was not an Obama supporter from the beginning," she said.

The president did have supporters.

Marshall Flapan, a retired 73-year-old from Des Moines, said he voted mainly Democratic after casting his ballot at an elementary school in south Des Moines.

"I think the Democrats are more in line with my interests. I'm supportive of Obama, but he wasn't a factor in my decision."

Jesse Harris, deputy secretary of state, said he expected turnout to be close to if not higher than the 52.7 percent seen in 2006.

"We saw record numbers in early voting in the state and that was an indication there was quite a bit of interest on both sides this year," Harris said. "Turnout is definitely strong."

Polls close at 9 p.m. CDT.

Democratic Gov. Chet Culver and former Republican Gov. Terry Branstad each spent more than $8 million campaigning, as Culver sought to stave off the challenge from Branstad, who was seeking his fifth term in office after a 12-year break.

Voters also will decide whether to remove three Iowa Supreme Court justices who sided with last year's 7-0 ruling striking down a state law defining marriage as being between a man and a woman. The ruling legalized gay marriage in Iowa, and critics have accused the high court justices of trying to legislate from the bench.

Those seeking to oust the justices have spent more than $650,000 - much of it from out-of-state conservative and religious groups - on their efforts to swing voter sentiment their way, while those seeking to retain the justices have spent more than $200,000.

Those who want to retain the justices say ousting them because of the gay marriage ruling would throw off the balance of power and set a troubling precedent whereby judges would have to consider political implications before ruling on issues.

Mark Eimers, 58, a retired U.S. government microbiologist from Huxley, Iowa, said he voted to retain the judges.

"When you look at the constitutionality of the issue it comes down to human rights, and whether you agree or disagree with the question of same-sex marriage you can't throw them out because you disagree with a ruling," said Eimers, a married father of three.

Eimers said he doesn't oppose same-sex marriage in Iowa.

Voters were also deciding between Republican Sen. Charles Grassley and Democratic challenger Roxanne Conlin. Grassley, who has been a fixture in Iowa politics since 1958, is seeking his sixth Senate term.

All five of the state's seats in Congress - three held by Democrats and two by Republicans - are on the ballot, as are all 100 seats in the Iowa House. In the state Senate, 25 of the 50 Senate seats are on the ballot.