FLORENCE, SC (WMBF) - Voters in the Pee Dee say the debate Monday night was not a deciding factor for them. Most were waiting for an opportunity to see the candidates face-to-face but they didn't expect three candidates to make a pit stop to the Pee Dee on the same day.
"I'm surprised because to my knowledge, there's not been an event like this since I've lived in Florence," said 20-year Florence native, Pete Johnson.
Early Tuesday morning a small crowd came out for GOP Candidate Mitt Romney's rally at the Florence Civic Center.
Voters in the area say a visit to the Pee Dee can make a difference before Saturday's primary election.
"It's great to see them and get a feel for what they're like in real-person because sometimes at the debates, they seem a little bit too stressed or on the edge," said Tyson Stoddard of Florence.
A couple hours later, Candidate Newt Gingrich attended a rally at the Art Trail Gallery in Florence where he answered questions and heard comments from voters.
"I want you to bloody Obama's nose," said one Romney supporter. And Gingrich gave an answer that made the crowd cheer and applaud.
"I don't want to bloody Obama's nose, I want to knock him out," said Newt Gingrich.
Then Governor Rick Perry made a lunch stop at Florence's Drive In Restaurant where voters crowded to meet and have a bite with the candidate.
Some say the smaller gatherings help them decide on a candidate more than the larger debates.
"I'm undecided right now, and I get a better understanding of their positions listening to them in a small area like this," said Charlie Doyle of Florence.
During the three visits, voters brought up issues like job creation, illegal immigration and Interstate 73.
Some voters even making a big of a travel to hear the candidates talk about those issues close up.
"It's the first year I'm able to vote and I want to make a good decision and I want to be able to find out about all of the candidates," said Meghan Penninger from Surfside Beach.
Meghan Penninger was one of many voters unable to get into the sold out events at the Myrtle Beach GOP Experience Weekend before the debate.
"That's why we came, it was close by and convenient," said Penninger.
Some voters say the events Tuesday have confirmed who they wanted to vote for, but others used this opportunity to sway the vote of those who are unsure.
"I'm sitting next to one right now and I am twisting his arm just as hard as I can," said Anne Powell of Florence.
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