The latest Rasmussen Poll shows that Tweedle Dum (Spend Mo’ Money) holds a narrow, three-point lead over Tweedle Dee (Spend Lots Mo’ Money). The race is narrowing, and Tweedle Dim (Spend Mo’ Money and Raise Taxes, Too) remains a non-factor with a mere five percent tally.
Of greater interest to me is the ranking of the issues that the survey of 500 likely voters thought were most important. The issues are (drum roll, please)….
Economy – 28 %
Health care – 15 %
Education – 14 %
Taxes – 11 %
Transportation – 8 %
Immigration – 7 %
Same-Sex Marriage – 6%
Gun Ownership Laws – 5%
Abortion – 3 %
Bottom line: The vocal Democratic Left and Republican Right may be fixated on cultural wedge issues, but Virginia voters aren’t. Virginians are concerned about pocketbook issues, with the economy (jobs, wages, salaries, entrepreneurial opportunities) ranking at the top. Health care comes in second, with education and taxes trailing behind.
Transportation, the signature issue of Sen. Russ Potts (er, I mean Tweedle Dim), the obsession of the Virginia state Senate and the desideratum of special interest groups, dragged in with only 8 percent. It’s hard to swallow, but I’ll admit it: Taxes, my pet obsession scored only No. 4 on the list, and the poll indicated that 46 percent said that the 2004 tax increases were good for the state.
Clue to the candidates: If you want to win over voters, start talking about economic development and health care!
