(Swing State) Ohio: Economy trumps social issues for religious voters

[Synnical]

http://www.ohio.com/news/ap?articleID=814249&c=y

Economic issues trump social ones in voters' minds, and long-established voting patterns are not going to change during one election, according to a new survey of voters.

The University of Akron's National Survey of Religion and Politics found that pocketbook concerns have replaced social issues, such as same-sex marriage, as a top worry. Four years ago, President Bush won re-election amid a climate where religious voters said they supported Republicans based on values _ something that doesn't appear changed as Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama enter their final sprint.

Pastors said they aren't surprised with the focus on the economy; many have church members who have lost their homes and their jobs.

"There are lots of people who don't have health insurance, who are just struggling for themselves and their kids," said the Rev. Rich Nathan, pastor of Vineyard Church of Columbus.

In 2004, about one in 10 self-described traditional evangelicals were most worried about the economy, rating it behind social issues and foreign policy, according to the study. This year, that number rose to about a third of all self-described traditional evangelicals.

About damn time!

-Cindy in Fort Lauderdale