Gallup Poll: Economy No. 1 Issue for GOP Voters

Economic issues represent the most important priority for many Americans amid weakness in the job market and surging oil prices. A new poll shows that’s certainly the case with Republican voters, Politico reports.

In a Gallup survey conducted before the killing of Osama bin Laden, 36 percent of GOP voters listed business and the economy as the No. 1 issue for them. That’s a virtual dead heat with the 37 percent who cited government spending and power. Since March, the portion of those listing the economy gained 4 percentage points, while those citing government spending dipped 1 percentage point.

Only 15 percent of respondents see social issues and moral values as their most pressing concern, while 12 percent chose national security and foreign policy.