Exit polls: Economy voters' No. 1 concern RAW STORY

Published: Tuesday November 4, 2008





Print This Email This The economy is the top concern of more than six in 10 voters, and a majority would like to see the government do more to solve the nation's problems, according to Election Day exit polls.



Networks began reporting the poll results just after 5 p.m. Tuesday. They found that 62 percent of voters say the economy is their top concern, compared to 10 percent who said Iraq, 9 percent who said terrorism and 9 percent who said healthcare.



According to the polls, which are conducted by major networks and the Associated Press, 51 percent of voters want a more active government while 43 percent say the government is doing too much.



Two-thirds of voters are worried about affording healthcare, while 32 percent are not concerned. The poll also found 68 percent of voters favor expanding offshore drilling for oil and natural gas.



Just 6 percent of voters gave the economy high marks, while 93 percent offered a negative economic rating. Four-fifths of voters worried that the economic downturn would hurt their families finances.



On taxes, 70 percent believe they will pay higher taxes if Barack Obama wins the presidency, and 61 percent predict higher taxes under McCain. Half said taxes would increase regardless of who's elected. Obama has said he wants to only raise taxes on the top 5 percent of earners, while McCain has promised not to raise income taxes on anyone.



The polls also found Obama had contacted more voters that McCain; 27 percent of voters said they were contacted by the Obama campaign, compared to 19 percent by McCain.



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