Today the American Association for Retired People AARP sent out this press release on Top Voter Concerns in the swing state of Pennsylvania. They reached out to undecided voters in PA, asking them what their particular concerns are in the election.
Pennsylvania is an important swing state. It is one of the large states needed in the win column to reach the White House. During the primary race, there was an oft heard question; If Obama can’t win PA, how will he win the White House? The Clinton campaign commented during the primary, and said this:
“The path to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue goes through Pennsylvania so if Barack Obama can’t win there, how will he win the general election?” spokesman Phil Singer said in a statement.
The research identifies who undecided, swing voters are in Pennsylvania-white, lower-to-middle income, older women.
These are Hillary’s folks and supporters through the primaries.
These are their concerns:
Swing voters in Pennsylvania revealed their concern about the economy, financial security and health care. Among those surveyed, the economy was the number one most important issue in the state with healthcare following closely behind.
These “undecideds” feel they don’t have enough information from either McCain and Obama have addresses their issues fully enough. Pennsylvania State Director Dick Chevrefilshad this to say:
“Pennsylvania swing voters want more information on these issues from the candidates,” ……
“At a time when the economy is struggling, our voters are expressing their concern that neither Senator Obama nor Senator McCain has adequately addressed the issues of economic security or affordable healthcare, and these issues are likely to have a significant impact on voters’ decisions in November.”
The research revealed some clear facts about the voters. It is interesting to note that McCain’s favorable is 4% higher than Obama’s.
How do Senators McCain and Obama unlock the swing voter?
The research demonstrated wide consensus among swing voters on ways to approach health care and financial security, however specific proposals resonated most:
– 94 percent favor requiring clear explanations of healthcare costs so patients know how much they will be charged up front
– 91 percent favor making healthcare affordable for small businesses by allowing them to band together for lower rates, providing tax credits to offset employee premium contributions and protecting them from large rate increases simply because one employee gets sick
– 91 percent favor requiring schools to teach financial literacy to all children
– 90 percent favor controlling costs of prescription drugs
Among all respondents in this survey, Senator McCain is viewed favorably by 64 percent, and Senator Obama is viewed favorably by 60 percent.
They had this say to about the candiates “attributes”:
On important candidate attributes, Pennsylvania swing voters have an interesting perspective. Senator McCain leads on is a strong leader, and has the experience to be president, while Senator Obama leads on will bring change, understands people like me, and will reduce the influence of special interests. The candidates are essentially tied on will work in a bipartisan fashion.
There is an opportunity for either McCain or Obama to win this state. There are some issues the candidates will have to address first. And the survey highlighted these issues.
The survey demonstrates that both candidates can reach the key swing voters this year and win their support – if they reach out to them by making lifetime financial security and healthcare a central element to their campaigns.
This question remains. Will McCain or Obama address these concerns?