How do the presidential winds blow in the Northeast? That’s what American Agriculturist will be measuring between now and next Saturday.

In a national poll conducted by Farm Futures, a sister publication, Republican outsider Donald Trump had the biggest breeze behind him with 39% of the vote. Senator Ted Cruz tallied 20% of Republican vote. Marco Rubio and Ben Carson came in next with 12% and 10%, respectively.

With 71% of the national vote, Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton blew away Bernie Sanders (22%) and Vice President Joe Biden (8%) – not yet a declared candidate.

CHIPS ALREADY FLYING: And this isn’t even the main political contest.

At this point, Trump and Clinton are projected to win South Carolina’s separate Republican and Democratic primaries, set for this Saturday, Feb. 20 and next Saturday, Feb. 27, respectively. After that, it’s anyone’s guess how many Republican candidates may drop out of the race.

Would you vote differently?

During next week’s New York Farm Show, American Agriculturist will be conducting a farmer poll at its exhibit just inside the front door of Horticulture Building at the N.Y. State Fairgrounds. The top questions will be on the presidential candidates and issues of greatest concern.

Between now and Saturday, Feb. 27, you, too, can weigh in on your favorite candidate and the issues most important to you. Your responses, kept in confidence, will be added into the total tallies. Here are the election questions:

* If the presidential election were held today, which person would be your first choice?

? Joe Biden ? Jeb Bush?   ? Ben Carson   ? Hillary Clinton          ? Ted Cruz

? John Kasich ? Marco Rubio                        ? Bernie Sanders  ? Donald Trump

Comments?  ___________

*Who would be your second choice?

? Joe Biden ? Jeb Bush?   ? Ben Carson   ? Hillary Clinton          ? Ted Cruz

? John Kasich ? Marco Rubio                        ? Bernie Sanders  ? Donald Trump

* What’s the most important issue of the 2016 presidential election?

? Immigration ? Federal deficit  ? The economy   ? Health care    ? Terrorism

? Climate change              ? The way government in Washington operates     ? Other __________

Send email your answers to [email protected]. American Agriculturist will post a running tally at the New York Farm Show exhibit. Results will also be posted on this website and in April’s magazine.