June 18, 2006

Abstract: (Angus Reid Global Scan) - The coalition effort is the most important topic for American voters, according to a poll by Hart/McInturff released by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News. 53 per cent of respondents think Iraq will be the most important issue when they decide who to vote for in this year's congressional election.

(Angus Reid Global Scan) - The coalition effort is the most important topic for American voters, according to a poll by Hart/McInturff released by the Wall Street Journal and NBC News. 53 per cent of respondents think Iraq will be the most important issue when they decide who to vote for in this year's congressional election.

Illegal immigration is second on the list with 32 per cent, followed by abortion with 21 per cent, tax cuts with 19 per cent, same-sex marriage with 16 per cent, the minimum wage with 14 per cent, and flag burning with four per cent.

The coalition effort against Saddam Hussein's regime was launched in March 2003. At least 2,500 American soldiers have died during the military operation, and more than 18,400 troops have been wounded in action.

On Jun. 16, the House of Representatives approved a non-binding resolution, which states that establishing an "arbitrary date for the withdrawal or redeployment" of troops stationed in Iraq is not in the national interest. The proposal, which passed in a 256-153 vote, also says the coalition effort is part of the "global fight against terrorism."

Polling Data

Which is most important to you in your vote for Congress this November?

(Several answers allowed)

Iraq	53%
Illegal immigration	32%
Abortion	21%
Tax cuts	19%
Gay marriage	16%
The minimum wage	14%
Flag burning	4%
None / Other	3%
Not sure	1%

Source: Hart/McInturff / The Wall Street Journal / NBC News
Methodology: Telephone interviews with 1,002 American adults, conducted from Jun. 9 to Jun. 12, 2006. Margin of error is 3.1 per cent.