DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — About a third of GOP caucus-goers say the top quality they seek in a candidate is the ability to defeat President Barack Obama.

That finding comes from early results from an entrance poll of Iowa caucus-goers conducted for The Associated Press and television networks.

About a quarter of early caucus-goers say their top priority is the selection of a true conservative. Just over 1 in 5 say they seek a presidential candidate with strong moral character.

The economy and the federal budget deficit are top issues for caucus attendees, with few citing abortion or health care as their most important concern.

The caucuses are under way in precincts across Iowa and launch the GOP nominating contest.