WASHINGTON, Dec. 29 (UPI) -- The economy remains the top issue for U.S. voters as the first caucus of the 2012 election season nears, a Rasmussen Reports survey released Thursday indicated.
Eighty percent of participants said economic issues were very important when they consider how they will vote in the election, Rasmussen said.
The latest percentage was down from 84 percent in October, but generally consistent with results since Jan. 2008, Rasmussen said.
Healthcare was second with 67 percent, followed by government ethics and corruption at 65 percent, and issues concerning taxes, Social Security and education, tied at 60 percent.
Rasmussen said Americans ranked the war in Iraq last among concerns, with 19 percent.
The Iowa caucuses are Tuesday.
Results are based on nationwide surveys of 1,000 each conducted Dec. 16-17 and Dec. 20-21. The margin of error is 3 percentage points.
