March 4, 2008
Posted: 07:07 PM ET
Residents sign in to vote in Chillicothe, Ohio.
Residents sign in to vote in Chillicothe, Ohio.

NEW YORK (CNN) – The economy was an overwhelming concern for Republican primary voters in both Ohio and Texas Tuesday, according to an early CNN exit poll.

In Ohio, 43 percent of GOP primary voters said the economy was the most important issue this election, while 22 percent cited Iraq, 19 percent ranked illegal immigration, and 15 percent said terrorism.

In Texas, 26 percent of Republican primary voters said the economy was the top concern, followed by 23 percent who cited terrorism, 21 percent who noted Iraq, and 16 percent who said illegal immigration.

Related: Mike Huckabee shares a moment with rival supporters

– CNN Political Editor Mark Preston

Filed under: John McCain • Mike Huckabee • Texas


akaDoug   March 4th, 2008 7:12 pm ET

Vermont = the first of four victories tonight! 12 to zero baby…where's the mercy rule when you need it!

Lois in CA   March 4th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Anyone who still thinks that we are not in a recession has to have his/her head somewhere where the sun don't shine. Of course it's about the economy, stupid. Have you looked at indicators?

The cost of this war of aggression and our global invasion policies under this current "leadership" have finally brought the economy to its knees. Can we keep on staggering ahead, spending millions everyday on war? Until this issue is addressed, it ain't going to get any rosier inside our wallets.

Aaron   March 4th, 2008 7:13 pm ET

Hard to believe anyone can really focus on the real issues with all the mud flying because of Hillary and her war machine. LET US FOCUS ON REAL ISSUES PEOPLE.

Kaye   March 4th, 2008 7:16 pm ET

Where does CNN get off naming candidates the winner of states immediately after the polls close. It's the vote of the people. Why can't CNN let us watch the vote come in, instead of telling US How it's going to be, whether it works out that way or not. How unfair. Why should we watch? CNN has it all figured out. Why Vote? CNN already has it all figured out.

Sue   March 4th, 2008 7:20 pm ET

A recession is defined by two quarters of negative growth. As far as I know, we have not had one quarter of negative growth.

But still, our economy is in bad shape.

We don't need anymore Old Washington tricks, they have not worked in the past.

We need someone new with new ideas.

We need Obama!!

deb in az   March 4th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

i think if the people of vermont would have paid attention to what sen clinton has said about bringing the troops home, she has the most aggresive plan to do that…………the mud slinging is real mud …………..i would still like to know why this man is meeting with the canadians………..is he our new representative to canada?

Darth Vadik, CA   March 4th, 2008 7:23 pm ET

What is McCain's view on the economy?

Oh yes, coorporate tax breaks, enjoy it Republicans, you know that store you go to to buy your clothes, gas, etc, they are going to get another tax break, arn't you so exited for them.

I feel as giddy as a young girl, yeeeeeesssssssss.

Chris Custer   March 4th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Yes, and hopefully that should favor Clinton who wants to get started fixing the economy right away. If they are restless, they will want to vote in someone on only the merit of his speech writers. They know Hillary has a plan and will get started with it right away, where as Obama's economic plan is lifted straight from hers, but without knowing exactly how to execute it.

FrankSmith   March 4th, 2008 7:25 pm ET

Hillary's wins of the BIG states can be explained in simple terms:

"Superstar, Name Recognition!"
It is like the Superdelegates who made the commitment before the peoples' votes were in!!

Hillary and her supporters do not have to worry, Obama will easily win these BIG states in the general election.

As you can see, the Superdelegates, like the BIG states, will soon wake up!!

kelly   March 4th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

How is Texas going to keep out the illegals voting? Guess there will have to be a recount and check them out.

james   March 4th, 2008 7:27 pm ET

How can Hillary say she broke Obama's momentum if she only wins Ohio or Texas by single digit margins when she was up 20 points earlier…….It would be amazing that he held her to a single digit win ,if he doesn't take one or both,considering her long history in these states.
James

Chris Custer   March 4th, 2008 7:29 pm ET

Hey Aaron, as Barack himself said, "no ones hands are clean." His certainly aren't clean, not with the repeated fraudulent flyers going around that Hillary had already disproved and that Factcheck.org had also pointed out. If this race were just about issues, just the faqs and issues, Hillary would be winning hands down, since all of her plans on the economy, healthcare, nafta changes, border control, etc., were presented months before the pirate we know as Barack Obama.

Lana; FORMER lifelong liberal democrat   March 4th, 2008 7:30 pm ET

Best candidate for our economy (and everthing else)…………….LOU DOBBS for President!!!!!!!

patrique in okla   March 4th, 2008 7:31 pm ET

the true indicator is if he can garnish enough of a lead to make a legitimate haul and maintain his lead not if he can win or lose

IMO   March 4th, 2008 7:32 pm ET

Why is Obama taking these states? Thank CNN. Where is Edward R. Murrow when we need him?

james   March 4th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

Wow, Hillary keeps speaking of her plans for health care and her economic plans……I wonder how much of it she had Bill Clinton do?
Why isnt she transparent with her taxes…..The Clintons are always hiding something or misleding somethingelse……
Wake Up American……We need real change…..We cant have another term of the some old crap…..Bush tricked us twice…..
We had Clintons and Bushes in the White house for so long…I am wondering is this America or England…….Our ancestor left that family control centuries ago…….

kathleen   March 4th, 2008 7:34 pm ET

Please, Republican Rich Cronies, Move over!!!!!!!

Obama 2008

Donald.Fonrose   March 4th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

I truly believe Obama might bring all of us together. One point the media failed to drive home is Obama is not a black man but a racially mixed man. Her mother is of the white race, and I believe her mother raised him to be fair and he's also partially white.

UNITE US OBAMA…Good Job mama!!!!!!!!!! GOD BLESS AMERICA

kathleen   March 4th, 2008 7:35 pm ET

Republicans, To be part of the Human Race, vote Democrat
for Obama.

Vote with "we the people".

OBAMA 2008

David   March 4th, 2008 7:36 pm ET

War achine? Mud flying? Wow Aaron, you clearly have not followed politics in the past — and you CLEARLY have not been watching this process in this election year. The two democratic party candidates have discussed the issues at length and it is all out there. If you have a personal preference between the two, then that is excellent, but to call either Obama or Clinton out for negative campaigning??? Man, you simply have no clue and are more out of touch than the Bush administration and the Republican party as a whole.

Sandra   March 4th, 2008 7:38 pm ET

Deb in AZ

As a Canadian, I think the Canadian Gov. set Obama up. The party is mostly made up of neocons who would like nothing better than to see McBomb win. They think Obama will win. I wouldn't take what our Canadian representive says took place in the meeting unless he has it on tape. They are already in s t street here in Canada due to trying to bribe a politian who was ill with cancer and has since died.
They are now trying to dance the two step trying to get out of it.
I would rather believe Obama's version.
GO DEMS 08

Jim in Oregon   March 4th, 2008 7:39 pm ET

GOOOOOOOOOO OBAMA !

Terri from Indiana   March 4th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

I am a die-hard democrat….however, if Obama wins the democratic nomination, I will vote republican for the first time in my life. I will urge all my fellow democrats to do the same.

kay   March 4th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

Nice article on McCain winning Ohio–very credible, not too wordy.

Vig   March 4th, 2008 7:40 pm ET

Hey Republicans in Texas - vote for Hillary!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave   March 4th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Actually…. Canadian quarters are currently worth more than American quarters.

TXNS for Hillary   March 4th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Hillary will win Texas and Ohio!!! The Obama streak ends with the BIG states.

Clinton 2008

hardy thornton jr.   March 4th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

if obama or hillary wins ohio will they keep the promise to ohioian.i think not because it's all about votes.he ssaid ,she said i've heard it all before.

Veronica in CA   March 4th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

Go HIllary!!!

I am worried about the reports of voter intimidation at the polls today, and about the Obama supporters in Texas who are having people fill out caucus ballots as they vote in the primary, and then are taking them to the caucus sites! This is illegal! Several Texans have had their Hillary signs ripped off their lawns and their yards vandalized early in the morning hours. This is so disappointing.

John Knight   March 4th, 2008 7:42 pm ET

If CNN exit polls in Ohio are accurate….looks like Sen. Clinton wins 52-48. It's a win, but watch the delegates split even.

Gotta go do Texas math now :)

4sfullpenetrator   March 4th, 2008 7:43 pm ET

Hillary > Obama

If he wins I'm voting for Nader, or Ron Paul if he runs Indy.

carrie   March 4th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

man,u guys give it a rest.if u dont want to know who cnn projects,turn off ur tv and site off the site.pls
obama,the candidate for change

pamsiri   March 4th, 2008 7:45 pm ET

Americans didn't learn the lesson..it too bad.

NK   March 4th, 2008 7:49 pm ET

We need Obama! that`s it,,
Go Obama…

dee   March 4th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Abraham, you are right on time. You are thinking the way that I am thinking. Does the Clinton Administration want America to forget this or do they think that we are so stupid that this doesn't matter?

OBAMA '08

Dee Cee

Ken Roach   March 4th, 2008 7:50 pm ET

Thats all folks

Chris   March 4th, 2008 7:52 pm ET

I am so tired of hearing how the latino and black vote are changing the votes….is there any white votes out there? don't get me wrong, these segiments are just as important, but lets look at EVERYONE….

Bob   March 4th, 2008 7:53 pm ET

What % of voters take part in exit poles? Nobody outside my polling place. Who are they asking ? how many are they asking?

Terri from Indiana   March 4th, 2008 7:54 pm ET

Obama is bad news! The first time the heat was turned up and he has folded on his lies. Come to your senses people. Respect out nation.

Glen   March 4th, 2008 7:55 pm ET

I am Black I and not voting for OBAMA….

This Guy is after too liberal.

This Guy has no experience.

This Guy is a liar ( He told the canadian governmment that he is O.K with NAFTA ; behind close door and in public he is saying he will negoiate NAFTA )

HE IS A LIAR !!!! OBAMA IS A LIAR !!!

WAKE UP !! PEOPLE !!!

Bruce   March 4th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

Go Hillary,

Now, now let’s get back to the facts and out of the self produced celebration. Sen. Clinton was ahead of Sen. Obama by 20% plus in both Ohio and Texas. Therefore, if Obama loses by less than 20% with all that has happened this week, he should feel good about the results. If the loss is more than 20% then it’s a good night for Hillary. Remember, she was supposed to win these states, just as he was supposed to win Vermont.

INDEPENDENT   March 4th, 2008 7:59 pm ET

CLINTON LEADING IN OHIO. CANT WAIT TO HEAR THE RESPONSE

Don   March 4th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

I always wanted to vote for a woman to become our leader, it would be a CHANGE. But not Hillary, as James previously pointed out
"Our ancestor left that family control centuries ago……."
That left me no choice but a true CHANGE.

All races should unite behind OBAMA diversity….

Terri from Indiana   March 4th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

Glen…thank you. Unfortunately, not everyone is thinking like you are.

Alex A   March 4th, 2008 8:01 pm ET

I was listening to right wing radio on my way home here in texas and it was disturbing and might i add disgraceful hearing so many republicans calling in to say they voted for Hillary to stop obama. This is truly outrageous….really is this democracy?

Vic, Brooklyn, NY   March 4th, 2008 8:04 pm ET

Just heard, that in Vermont Obama won among the college graduates. My son is going to graduate from college this summer. When I asked him who is he going to vote for, he said Ron Paul. But he changed his mind very quick, when I said that Ron Paul will be irrelevant by November. Of course, he said that his second choice is Obama. I asked my very well doing in the college son, what does he like about Obama and was killed by the answer :" He is a very good public speaker". I already had a suspicion, why most educated people vote for Obama and this is why: Great public speaker. What about substance? God, help America!!

Jason, TX   March 4th, 2008 8:07 pm ET

Thank you WHITE PEOPLE for voting for the black man and abandoning your over qualified white womman. We, the Black Peoples Union, thank You!!!

Renee Las vegas   March 4th, 2008 8:11 pm ET

I believe Obamas economic financial advisor was a set up by the Canadians. They invite him over for a tour and baited him…. and the dummy bit!

obae dennis   March 4th, 2008 8:15 pm ET

It is like a fire war. Everyone is pointing poisonous fingers at Obama who is actually a uniter. Republicans are voting for Clinton because they are scared of Obama. Democrates, stop being fooled for a weaker vessel. Otherwise, mcCain will end up being a president.

Bev from Canada   March 4th, 2008 8:17 pm ET

Sandra you got it right. But if they can not have McCain then they will take their second choice, Hillary Clinto. The Canadian Government, both the Conservatives and the Liberals and the Canadian public have been in love with the Clintons. That is why former President Bill Clinton was up in Canada on a speaking tour last year. No other former US President could draw the crowds he did.

I am disappointed in US voters because I view a vote for Hillary to be a vote for same old, same old politics in Washington. The Americans say that they want change in how things are done in Washington and then go and vote for someone who won't change Washington. She and her husband and their friends have too much invested in the way Washington is run. They owe too much to lobbyists and special interest groups. If she wins the nomination she will represent the women and the Latino's. They are the ones that are voting for her. She keeps pointing to the good years under President Bill Clinton. It was better than now but that wasn't all his doing. Congress and the Senate and the world had a lot to do with it too. The western world was better off then than it is now. Even in Canada it was better then than it is now. Alot of it had to do with what was happening around the world.

Donna Midkiff   March 4th, 2008 8:43 pm ET

Why is it too close to call for OHIO when in Vermont there is a 20 point difference and in OHIO it is a 22 point difference! This race would have already been called if it were Obama was 60 and Clinton 38!!! Come on media folks - you really want Obama to win bad. That is so odd!

Liz Wetzel   March 4th, 2008 8:58 pm ET

Jose From Florida, your name is not even Jose, youre an OBAMA-BOT!!

Ken   March 4th, 2008 10:02 pm ET

When McCain says he will create funds to retrain people for new jobs, does this include relocation funds to relocate out of the country since there are few jobs here?

Timmy   March 4th, 2008 10:32 pm ET

if Obama wins the nomination, I will vote for McCain. I am white and will support the white candidate on election day.

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