FARMINGTON – From a 102-year-old Strong woman to two first-time teen voters, people around Franklin County turned out in force to support the hometown guy running for governor.

At 7 p.m. Tuesday, towns all over Franklin County reported a much-higher than usual voter turnout. Most voters interviewed at polling places in Strong, Wilton and Farmington said they were supporting Chandler Woodcock.

“Is there anyone else running?” Wilton Selectman Russell Black asked, joking a bit with fellow Selectman Terry Brann.

“But you know, Mainers love to suffer,” Brann added when someone mentioned incumbent John Baldacci.

Republican Woodcock grew up on Middle Street in Farmington, played on sports teams in town, and was his senior class president in high school. He taught English in local high schools, coached girls’ basketball, and is active in a local church.

So when people headed to the polls Tuesday, many had more than just a face and a campaign ad to put with at least one name on the ballot.

Farmington’s Everett Vining served on the Board of Selectmen with Woodcock years ago. “The one thing that always stuck in my mind,” Vining said, “when a question (would) come up, he’d say ‘give me a chance, I’ll research it.’ And he always did.”

“He and I used to play basketball together,” Brann said. “He’s a good man. He brought up a family on a teacher’s salary.”

Woodcock’s views on the economy seemed a draw for many of the people who said they voted for him, as well as the people who said they didn’t.

“There are some things (about his politics) I don’t like,” Sherie Karkos, 48, of Farmington, said Tuesday. “But I think we need a change. I think he’s honest. He’s a good old Maine guy. He knows how the middle class lives. He’s been where most of us have been, unlike some of the other people.”

In fact, she said, Woodcock’s reported tax problems only add to his appeal, by making him seem more approachable and human. “These things to happen,” she said. “And you overcome it. I’ve raised five kids.”

On the other side, Woodcock’s fiscal and other policies turned some voters off.

Farmington voter Erica Connolly, 23, voted for Pat LaMarche. As a reproductive health worker, Woodcock’s ideas – which include an anti-abortion stance – terrify her, she said. Her job might be cut if someone like him wins, she said. “Maybe it’s a selfish reason to vote, but I like to eat.”

For 102-year-old Maxine Graham of Strong, it was all about party allegiances.

“Because he’s Republican,” is all she would say on the matter.

For Jared Richards, of Farmington, 19, and voting for the first time in his life, it was about having a face, and a personality, to put with the name on the ballot.

“I know him,” he said. “I’ve seen him coach the basketball team.”

Olive Vining of Farmington said it was about political change. Having a local doing it was more icing on the cake. “I think it’s about time for a change,” she said. “I know we got smart enough people around here to do it.”

However Woodcock ends up, Mt. Blue High School Vice Principal Randy Cook said Tuesday afternoon, he can’t really lose.

“My wife and I were talking about it the other night,” said Cook, who grew up playing on the Pirates Little League team with Woodcock. “If he’s selected governor, it’s one of the greatest honors. If not, he’s got his private life back, and maybe some peace and quiet.”