Nearly everyone who answered this past week’s Question of the Week: Was the pay raise for the governor and other officials necessary? answered NO.

Only 4 — 9.09 percent — said YES while 36 — 81.82 percent — answered NO and 4 — 9.09 percent — replied DON’T CARE.

The Question of the Week poll is not scientific and only reflects the opinions of those Internet users who have chosen to participate. The Question of the Week is just another way the Herald’s readers can voice their opinions about issues that affect them.

This week’s Question of the Week deals with the presidential race.

Hillary Clinton won big in West Virginia this pst week, which adds momentum for her to stay in the race for the Democratic nomination.

Clinton now has 1,718 delegates; it takes 2,026 to secure the Democratic presidential nomination. Obama received an endorsement from John Edwards earlier this past week and now his delegate count is up to 1,896.

It doesn’t look like either Democratic candidate can land a decisive knock-out blow before the National Convention this summer. Obama has survived the controversy over radical comments made by his minister, The Rev. Jeremiah Wright. Clinton has survived gaffes such as remembering being under sniper fire during a visit to the Balkans in the 1990s, when she really wasn’t.

If you’re tired of the Democrats’ never ending campaign, Republican John McCain has secured the delegates necessary for the Republican nomination. He is now just waiting for the official nod during the Republican convention.

McCain can appeal to independent voters. However, many conservatives believe McCain is too much like the Democrats. McCain’s campaign finance reforms have given us the joys of watching endless attack ads from 527 groups. He also favors some form of amnesty for illegal immigrants. But, he’s strong on defense and he is for seeing the situation through in Iraq.

Who would you vote for?

This week’s Question of the Week: If the election were held today, would you vote for Clinton, Obama or McCain?

People can vote on The Herald’s Web site, oskaloosa.com, from Monday through noon on Friday. Then, votes will be tallied and published the following Monday.