Schoharie County Republicans reflect the national party as it strives to find a presidential nominee.
Some like one candidate, some favor another, a few are undecided, but all agree that they want someone who can beat President Barack Obama.
New York's primary isn't until April 24, when the race might be all but over, but Republican leaders here still have their favorities.
County Committee Chairman Lew Wilson and Vice Chairman Chris Tague both like Mitt Romney, the front-runner whose lead took a blow when opponent Newt Gingrich won in South Carolina.
"Personally, I like everything about Romney," said Mr. Wilson, who's on a state committee for that candidate's behalf.
"He's a businessman, and I like the idea of having a businessman at the helm."
Mr. Tague argued that among the GOP candidates, Mr. Romney is the most electable.
"He won as a Republican governor in Massachusetts, and that's not easy to do there," Mr. Tague said. "He's shown he can win where other Republicans can't.
"He's the best candidate out there. He's got good ideas and strong family values."
While Mr. Wilson likes Mr. Gingrich if Mr. Romney falters, other local Republicans are undecided between the two leaders and Ron Paul and Rick Santorum.
If push came to shove, county Treasurer Bill Cherry would support Mr. Romney. But he's not absolutely positive about that.
"If I had to say someone, I'd say Romney," Mr. Cherry said. "But I can't feel I really identify with any of them yet."
Mr. Cherry isn't pleased with the campaign's negativity.
"Hundreds of millions are being spent basically beating each other up," he said. "As a guy who hates to see money wasted, I think it's awful."
Harold Vroman, Summit supervisor and chairman of the Board of Supervisors, is more undecided than Mr. Cherry.
"I've been watching, but there's not one candidate who stands out for me," he said.
"I'm listening. . .I just hope we have someone good enough to beat Obama."
Marie McAllister, who's on the county Republican Committee, agreed with Mr. Vroman.
"At this point, I'll vote for anyone but Obama," she said. "I'm listening to what each one says, but I'm not favoring any one over another."
Ms. McAllister feels New York and Republicans in general are ill-served by the current primary system. She believes all states should have primaries on the same day.
Primary results from two small states--Iowa and New Hampshire--sway national Republican opinion and determine how the race develops.
"And by the time it comes to New York, it's pretty much over," Ms. McAllister said.