Polls indicate Sen. Hillary Clinton is favored to win the Florida presidential primary today among Democrats while former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani will likely come up short of the winner-take-all Republican victory he desperately needs.

Reporters Martha T. Moore of USA Today and Dan Nowicki of The Arizona Republic interviewed voters in St. Petersburg:

City planner John Hisenbaugh, 44, said he voted for Clinton because of her plan for universal health care. “I think it’s time to give the country over to a woman,’’ he added. “I think we need a different perspective. Men have messed it up. We couldn’t be in any more trouble right now. Whoever it is just has to respect the Constitution. This sort of dictatorship that we’re in, stomping all over the Constitution—I think we’re done with that.”

George Chandler, 78, a retired telephone worker, explained his vote succinctly. “I just like the Clintons,” he said.

Michael Pinson, the CEO of a wholesale book distribution company, said he wrote out a $1,000 check for Giuliani’s campaign 10 days ago, but changed his mind after the former New York mayor fell in the polls. “The word was out if he lost Florida he’s out of the race,’’ Pinson explained. “He’s not going to win Florida so why waste my vote?”

Pinson got up at 5:30 a.m. today to hold signs at polling places for McCain. “I’m a veteran of the Gulf War,’’ he said. “McCain is the best leader to provide national security, lower taxes for everyone in the country and stimulate the economy. Right now it’s a choice between (Mitt) Romney and McCain. And McCain’s a better leader.’’

Reporter Eun Kyung Kim of Gannett News Service also interviewed voters:

Ruth Schuler of Boynton Beach voted for Giuliani, despite her fear the former New York mayor will lose. “I don’t think he’s going to make it at all,� she said shaking her head. “He did do a lot of politicking and he’s had Jon Voight with him, who’s so cute. But he can’t possibly overcome those poll numbers.� Schuler, a 65-year-old jewelry maker and former New Yorker said her support for Giuliani is grounded in his response to September 11. “I like what he did. Who didn’t?� she said. “Honestly I don’t think that’s enough. I think the next president may be either Hillary or McCain.�

Susan Santek, 49, decided three days ago to vote for McCain, but felt “a bit tornâ€? about Giuliani. “I still have mixed feelings,â€? she said. The Ft. Lauderdale nurse called the way Giuliani handled September 11 “very admirable.â€? Santek said, “He had to take a stance – he had no choice. But too much is on 9/11. Let’s hear about some other issues.â€?

Sandra Luciano, 49, an emergency room pediatrician, voted for Obama. “If any candidate is going to bring about changes he’s certainly going to be the one to try,� she said. “He’s a breath of fresh air.� Luciano said she’s not concerned about the political infighting between Hillary and Obama. She plans to back the former first lady if she becomes the nominee.

Ashley Combs, 27, a St. Petersburg real estate developer, struggled between Giuliani and former Arkansas Gov. Mike Huckabee. She said Giuliani was “very strong on security,’’ cutting welfare and the deficit. But she went with Huckabee because she felt he was more conservative. “He did great things for Arkansas,’’ she said. “He’s a moral character.’‘