January 29, 2008
Posted: 07:00 PM ET
Florida voters said the economy is the No. 1 issue.
Florida voters said the economy is the No. 1 issue.

(CNN) — Different state, same issue: once again, primary voters said the economy Like their counterparts across the nation, Florida voters said the economy was their chief concern as they went to the polls on Tuesday, according to early exit polling results.

Among both Republicans and Democrats, the nation's economy was cited as the most important issue affecting their vote — in overwhelming numbers that dwarfed other concerns.

"Really one issue dominated the agenda, and that was the economy," said CNN senior political analyst Bill Schneider. "Among Republicans as well as Democrats, it's all about the economy."

Among Republicans, 47 percent of respondents told CNN that the economy was the most important issue to them as they voted in the last Republican primary before the massive Super Tuesday vote next week.

That was more than double the 19 percent who listed terrorism as their top issue. Another 17 percent cited illegal immigration and 13 percent said they were most concerned about the war in Iraq.

The number for Democrats was even higher. Fifty-five percent of those voters polled said the economy was their top issue, compared with 25 percent citing Iraq and 17 percent who said health care.

Florida's Democrats were voting despite the national party's edict that Florida's delegates won't be counted at the party's nominating convention. The party sanctioned Florida's Democrats after the state pushed the date for its primaries to an earlier date than they had received permission for.

Filed under: Exit Polls


JohnS   January 30th, 2008 12:53 am ET

The voters in NH are very upset with Hillary. Apparently, Hillary PROMISED them that she will NOT participate in the process in FL. Seeing her celebrate a win, the people in NH said they feel like "the Clintons have played them for suckers.""" CAN ANYONE EVER TRUST THE CLINTONS???????

If you need Obama's specific plans for the nation, please write to them and they will send you the related packet!

AnnaR   January 29th, 2008 10:23 pm ET

Obviously the economy could not have been their biggest concern or they would have voted for Ron Paul. But then on the other hand I guess if you like hand outs and the government holding your hand you would vote for the other four Republicans. I never thought I'd see the day I would vote for Hillary but I think I'll do what the MSM wants if McCain, Huckabee, Romney, or Guiliani win the nomination—-I'll vote for Hillary. I think the MSM has sold us out knowing there is no way any of these four canidates can beat Hillary or Obama. Thank you MSM.

Ann   January 29th, 2008 10:20 pm ET

Why do people continue to lie to themselves? The economy? No one buys that this time.

David Wagner   January 29th, 2008 10:18 pm ET

I am surprised by how many Democrats votes in the election today. Despite their delegates probably not being seated at the convention, Democrats voted today in numbers which rival the Republican numbers. Shocking.

CHERYL   January 29th, 2008 9:49 pm ET

THAT IS WHY HILLARY WON!!!!!!!!!!!!!

wendy   January 29th, 2008 9:20 pm ET

Clinton wins hand down across the population. It can not be attributed as beauty contest that will be insult to 2+ million democratic voters.

J.J. Forbes, an independent thinker   January 29th, 2008 9:12 pm ET

So, uh, I guess the Romney people will still say that McCain is great on the economy now. You bet they won't, but they'll have to argue with the voters on that one.
If the economy is important to the Floridans, and they are voting in McCain, that should tell us who they think will handle the economy best.

Vote John McCain in 2008!!!!!!!!!!!!

Chris, Silicon Valley, CA, USA   January 29th, 2008 9:06 pm ET

How many of these guys have actually said anything substantial about the economy?

"The greatest threat facing America today is not terrorism, or foreign economic competition, or illegal immigration. The greatest threat facing America today is the disastrous fiscal policies of our own government, marked by shameless deficit spending and Federal Reserve currency devaluation. It is this one-two punch – Congress spending more than it can tax or borrow, and the Fed printing money to make up the difference – that threatens to impoverish us by further destroying the value of our dollars. " — Ron Paul

lu   January 29th, 2008 8:47 pm ET

hilary winning is a farse, because a lot of democrats did not vote because they knew their vote was not going to count. So ther e is the fairytale.

threeriverscrossing, Raleigh, North Carolina   January 29th, 2008 8:40 pm ET

Gov. Bill Richardson was in Mexico City on Friday, June 25th meeting with Mexican President Felipe Calderón Hinojosa to discuss border security and rail and infrastructure issues. Richardson also planned to discuss a possible visit to New Mexico by President Calderón this year. Richardson said in a prepared statement. "We have made great progess since that meeting, and I look forward to enlisting the President's support as we continue to create jobs on both sides of our mutual border."

observer   January 29th, 2008 8:35 pm ET

`The way the people of Fla. and Mich. have been treated is terrible. All states and their residents count. What an injustice! Horray for Hillary, she let them know that they count., the only real candidate. Ooopps! Iam making this statement to CNN Home of Hands Off Obama!

jason agne   January 29th, 2008 8:33 pm ET

they should just say that hillary is the republican candidate and obama is the democratic. She's about as republican as they come anyway.

as for the actual republicans… what are you thinking? the economy will be fixed if the poor give their tax money to the already-rich? just because it's a liquid, pouring gasoline on a fire will not put it out.

wire tap the rich!

Micah   January 29th, 2008 8:24 pm ET

Anyone worried about the economy should vote for Ron Paul as he is the only candidate with a viable plan for the economy.

Martha Kira   January 29th, 2008 8:13 pm ET

How can CNN already be declaring Hillary Clinton the Dem winner here in Florida with only about 300,000 votes for her so far, and Broward and Miami-Dade not even having reported yet? Aren't you being premature?

mr.fair tax   January 29th, 2008 8:12 pm ET

NO DUMMYCRATS , PLEASE!!!!
VOTE REPUBLICAN

Martin, Redwood City, CA   January 29th, 2008 8:09 pm ET

It's the…stupid! This is why it is truly amazing that Obama, who gives great speeches, is considered the golden boy on the Democratic ticket. I can already see how President Obama will bring folks in congress together around a bipartisan plan to grow our economy…"I have a dream…that one day I'll wake up and have inspired all democrats and republicans to salvage our nations economy, social security, healthcare and turned global warming into well-paying jobs…I have no clue how to do it but that doesn't matter…". It is amazing how some people compare this guy to JFK who inspired people to achieve noble goals that can unite people…going to the moon, defeating communism, human rights…today's socio economic problems cut at the very heart of idealogical and cultural differences…what we need is 8yrs of democratic president + congress and strong leadership across those bodies. Otherwise the republicans will very quickly get organized, get elected and spend another 8yrs steering this country into a very different direction than democrats want…it will be 1994 all over again…newt gingrich and george bush all over again…and those people voting for Obama will deserve it. call me a cynic…but i'm not trying to get elected…

CHERYL   January 29th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

THERE IS NO DOUBT THAT THE WAY WE VOTE NEEDS TO BE CHANGED, IT IS OUTDATED!!!!!!!! I ALSO FEEL DISENFRANCHISED BUT PUT MY VOTE IN FOR HILLARY!!!!!!!!

john   January 29th, 2008 8:02 pm ET

Yeah…and the economy is where McCain said he "needed an education on."

Patrick Peavy Plano,TX   January 29th, 2008 7:58 pm ET

In the last two elections I did in FL (my home state until 7 months ago), which were the 2004 and 2006, they used electronic in my county. (Hillsborough)

peternow   January 29th, 2008 7:56 pm ET

"worst crop of presidential candidates we have had in my lifetime and I am 71″?
That's rich, coming from someone who survived Nixon, Reagan and the Bushes…

Jeff   January 29th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

Oh…the economy was the top issue. Then Ron Paul must have won! I know…I know…I'll keep dreaming.

Jeffrey Wilson   January 29th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

Does my comment really matter. Apparently being a Democrat in Florida I am being considered nonexistent.

Bill   January 29th, 2008 7:47 pm ET

Go Hillary!!!! This might be a bigger win than SC by % of magain of victory. WOW!

George Womack, Jr.   January 29th, 2008 7:44 pm ET

I hope that the final selection is Obama for the democrats and Romney for the republicans. This would be a real choice of two good candidates who I feel that they both care about the American citizens in general.

harry heard   January 29th, 2008 7:22 pm ET

worst crop of presidential candidates we have had in my lifetime and I am 71.

Ginness2050   January 29th, 2008 7:17 pm ET

By the time we get to November, the economy will have recovered and the Iraq war will have further receded from the news. All the strengths on today's top issues that got the nomination will no longer be relevent. The candidates will have to reinvent themselves

Laurinda   January 29th, 2008 7:08 pm ET

Well let me tell you something. I f they are worried about the economy then they had better vote for a Democrat. Personally I think that the Floridians are a pain in the arse with their hanging chads and criminal mischief. Futhermore I think that all the states should vote at the same time!!!

Comments have been closed for this article

subscribe RSS Icon
About The Ticker

The latest political news from CNN's Best Political Team, with campaign coverage, 24-7. Sign up for our twice daily Ticker emails. Got a news tip or feedback? For complete political coverage, bookmark CNNPolitics.com.

CNN=Politics Screensaver

CNN=Politics ScreensaverTap into the power of The Situation Room. Download this powerful new tool that keeps you posted on the latest political news from the campaign trail.
Download (4.1 MB, PC only)

Follow us on Twitter

CNN on TwitterGet Ticker updates the moment they appear online via the Web, SMS, or instant messages.
Follow politicalticker

Categories
CNN Comment Policy: CNN encourages you to add a comment to this discussion. You may not post any unlawful, threatening, defamatory, obscene, pornographic or other material that would violate the law. All comments should be relevant to the topic and remain respectful of other authors and commenters. You are solely responsible for your own comments, the consequences of posting those comments, and the consequences of any reliance by you on the comments of others. By submitting your comment, you hereby give CNN the right, but not the obligation, to post, air, edit, exhibit, telecast, cablecast, webcast, re-use, publish, reproduce, use, license, print, distribute or otherwise use your comment(s) and accompanying personal identifying and other information you provide via all forms of media now known or hereafter devised, worldwide, in perpetuity. CNN Privacy Statement.
Home  |  World  |  U.S.  |  Politics  |  Entertainment  |  Health  |  Tech  |  Travel  |  Living  |  Business  |  Sports  |  Time.com
Podcasts  |  Blogs  |  CNN Mobile  |  Preferences |  Email Alerts  |  CNN Radio  |  CNN Shop  |  Site Map
© 2008 Cable News Network LP, LLLP. A Time Warner Company. All Rights Reserved.
Powered by WordPress.com VIP