An MSNBC exit poll of Iowa voters showed that 61 percent said the economy is the most important issue facing the nation, and 57 percent decided before September whom to vote for in the presidential election.

When asked what mattered most in their decision, 37 percent said they felt their choice for president could bring about needed change, while 29 percent said he shares my values. Fifty-one percent said they strongly disapproved of the way George W. Bush is handling his job as president.

On the economy, 46 percent said the condition of the nation's economy is poor, while 44 percent said it is "not so good."

The exit poll showed that 70 percent of Iowa voters felt McCain attacked Obama unfairly, while only 52 percent felt that Obama attacked McCain unfairly.

Federal government subsidies for ethanol was not a big issue among voters. Forty-eight
percent said they only somewhat supported such subsidies, which were openly opposed by McCain.

A look at the demographic of Iowa voters showed:
-- 53 percent of them were women, while 47 percent were men.
-- 38 percent were between the ages of 45 and 64, while 27 percent were between the ages of 30 and 44.
-- 91 percent were white
-- 9 percent said they were first-time voters.

See details from the exit poll

Labels: 2008_election