Money Matters: Will Pocketbook Concerns Move Votes?--Wa Po

[Demeter]

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/07/23/AR2006072300449.html?referrer=email


Monday, July 24, 2006; A08



If the November elections become a referendum on the economy, Republicans have reason to worry.

For months, the White House and Democrats have battled to shape perceptions of the economy. Economic statistics suggest things generally continue to get better, but many voters are complaining every time they pump gasoline into their SUVs.

The spin war between the parties will forge on. But the underlying reality at this point is that Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to say the economy is the single most important issue determining their vote in November.

A recent Post poll showed that 27 percent of independents and 25 percent of Democrats cited the economy as their top voting issue, compared with 18 percent of Republicans. Other research shows that the more people make the economy No. 1, the more likely they are to vote Democratic.

Pocketbook issues could be felt most acutely in Midwestern states, where job growth has lagged behind that in the rest of the nation.

-- Chris Cillizza

[Greeby]

1. Whatever your issue is

The Repukes have metaphorcially cut your throat and left you to die.