Voters See Economy as Number One Issue for November Elections

By Samantha Hayes , CNN|NEWS 9 Contributor

WASHINGTON -- With nearly 50 million Americans out of work, a struggling housing market and hesitant consumers who are still reluctant to open their wallets, the economy is issue number one for many voters this election season.

"It's the issue that'll dominate every race in the country, and the main part of it is jobs. With unemployment hovering near 10 percent, that's trouble for incumbents," said Paul Steinhauser, CNN's Deputy Political Director.

Voters also are increasingly concerned over the ballooning budget deficit, with each party passing the blame. Republicans said the Democrats are spending too much on programs like the stimulus.

"Excessive government spending and the uncertainty facing small businesses are crippling job creation in our country. The economic policies of this administration have failed," said Rep. John Boehner, House Republican Leader.

On the campaign trail for his fellow Democrats, President Obama said he inherited the country's economic troubles from the Republicans.

"These folks spent a decade driving our economy to a ditch. Have you ever noticed by that way, if you want to go forward in a car, you put you car in ‘D,' and if you want to go backwards you put in ‘R?' We'd end up right back in the ditch," President Obama said.

A recent CNN/opinion research poll showed more Americans blame the Republicans in Congress for the country's economic woes. At the same time, a slight majority think the GOP would do a better job fixing the economy, and that's the question that could be decisive for voters in November.

Meet Oklahoma's Candidates | Voting 101: Election Guide