Poll: Mostly Economy on US Voters’ Minds

A new poll shows the U.S. economy is the single most important issue for American voters, ahead of elections in November to decide one-third of the members of the U.S. Senate and all members of the House of Representatives.

According to an Associated Press-GfK poll released Wednesday, nine in 10 Americans likely to vote in the midterm elections say «the economy is an extremely or very important issue.»

However, about eight in 10 also say that other issues, including the threat posed by the Islamic State group, terrorism and health care are important and will factor into their voting decisions.

The poll found just seven percent of likely voters approve of the way Congress is handling its job, while 42 percent approve of President Barack Obama’s job performance.

Asked how they feel about his administration, 58 percent were dissatisfied or angry, while 74 percent were dissatisfied or angry with the Republican leadership in Congress.

Persistent concerns about the economy appear fueled by a perception that things in the country are not getting better, according to some political analysts reacting to the findings.

The poll found just 38 percent of likely voters describe the economy as «good,» and half as many think there has been any improvement in the last month – only 34 percent are expecting any improvement in the coming year.

Some political analysts believe a shift in focus toward the threat of terrorism could help Republicans. The poll revealed about four in 10 likely voters trust the Republicans more to protect the country, while just a quarter prefer the Democrats.

On handling the economy, however, the GOP holds a much smaller edge, 36 percent to 31 percent for the Democrats.