Voters express expectations, hopes and concerns for a Romney presidency

Nearly everyone approached in an informal survey -- residents and tourists alike -- said they hoped for some improvement in the American economy. As well, the cross-section of people held concerns about health care, immigration, support for Israel and the preservation of core American "values." Some hoped Romney will moderate his conservative views and and that his policies will not harm the poor."Less regulation, lower taxes, better economy," said Bob Brodell, who was visiting fromArkansas.

"Just to stay true to what he's saying when it comes to taxes," said Robert Mahan, who works in Washington.

"Not to say cliché but jobs, jobs jobs," said Oliver Harris, adding that as a libertarian he wished for other things in a Romney administration, including and end to the war on drugs.

Claire Baker of Severn, Maryland, who was having lunch with friends at a cafe, was concerned about the economy -- but also welfare entitlements.

"I hope he will straighten out the health care and take care of the jobless rate and make sure that people who want to work do get jobs and stop just giving away all of our hard-earned money to people who don't deserve it," Baker said.

Tanner Carroll said he does not care who becomes president as long as he works to improve small businesses, the economy and a strong military.

"We are a super power country and I feel like other people should be scared of us. I don't think by reducing warheads is going to do that," Carroll said.

On the National Mall, some tourists expressed concern about the prospect of a Romney presidency.

"I hope we'll see better growth in the economy. I hope we'll see less trampling of regulations. And we'll get back to the freedoms we had before he became--, before Obama became President," said Kenneth Pennington of Indiana.

"I would hope to see that he creates jobs and that he looks to manufacturing and that he looks to natural gas to power cars," said Sharon Kuzma-Smith of Michigan.

"An economic turnaround, something to help this country. We desperately need it," saidSharon Engel of New York, who said she would probably decide whom to vote for on Election Day.

Voters are also looking for Romney to execute on other issues including health care, border security, and foreign policy matters.

"I do hope for the removal of 'Obamacare' and at least a better implementation of the plan, the five-point plan, that he's been talking about, at least so we can start seeing a difference in the economy," said Eduardo Yumet of Florida.

"Even though he is not a Christian, he does support Israel, which is very important to me, as an ally, as an American. And I also believe that he has the core values that this nation fought for freedom," said Hector Fuentes who also said he hoped Romney would advocate for the pro-life position.

"I hope he can get our border secure, especially in the southwest, so it can be a safer place for Americans and also so those who want to come into the country legally, they will have that opportunity," said Brittany Lesueur of Arizona.

Some expressed concern that a Romney administration would not disproportionately represent the interests of the rich at the expense of the middle class and poor.

Donnisha Johnson, a mother of three from Washington D.C., said she cannot make enough money working from home or from occasional clerical work. She said she wants a job but needs food stamps and welfare to pay her expenses..

"I'm hoping he gives us these jobs he's talking about. What's scary for me is because I am on welfare and I do get food stamps, he throws those terms around like we're the scum of the earth sometimes and I hope he doesn't just cut it without giving us somewhere to go and something to do," Johnson said.

John Churchill hoped that a Romney presidency would reflect a more moderate Republican position and that his policies would not exacerbate the divide between the rich and the poor.

"I hope Mr. Romney shows up in his most moderate phase. I hope that he manages to contain the radical right wing of the Republican party who seem bent on driving this country into a disastrous pattern of income inequality," Churchill said.