Change & Experience

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - The candidates who are fighting for your votes in Indiana would be wise to concentrate on the economy.

Our exclusive WISH-TV Indiana poll found that's the most important issue for Hoosiers.

"For me personally, it's the economy. Because people worrying about their jobs and their homes and worrying about where the money's going to come from," said Jay York a voter.

At the Merchants Square Barber Shop in Carmel it's easy to get people talking politics.

"I think people are falling behind more and more," said Tracy Buckingham a voter.

Head to Judge's Barbecue Restaurant on the near west side of Indianapolis and you hear much the same.

"There are so many, but I would say the economy," said Judge Smith a voter.

"Well the economy is right up there at the top," said Sandra Smith a voter.

According to the WISH-TV Indiana poll, 25% of the 600 likely voters said the economy and job creation is the most important issue in determining a vote for president. Lowering taxes, an economy related issue was right behind. Getting troops out of Iraq and the War on Terror were about half as important.

"I just think that you don't start something and leave it kind of in limbo," said Smith.

"It all affects everything. But the war is a drain. It's an absolute drain," said York.

Health care costs are the top issue for 10% of Hoosiers.

"How can they afford healthcare. It's an important issue, it's as important as the economy I think," said Jim Irizarry a voter.

When it comes to the most important issue in voting for Governor, Hoosier voters said taxes and state spending are at the top. Followed by the economy, education funding and health care costs.

One issue, immigration reform, gets a lot of publicity. But our WISHT-TV Indiana poll found it was not very important to Hoosier voters. Only 6% of Hoosiers said it was the most important issue in choosing a president or a governor.