The Deciding Factor in Voter’s Minds This Election Cycle: Fiscal Issues

As posted by Craig Gilbert in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, a recent statewide Marist survey shows us that the majority of likely Wisconsin voters are identifying themselves as conservatives, rather than as liberals or even moderates.  Specifically, the numbers break down as follows:  47 percent conservative, 33 percent as moderate and 20 percent as liberals.  Mr. Gilbert also notes the stark contrast to just two years ago where exit polls in 2008 suggested that Wisconsinites broke down as follows:  31 percent conservative, 47 percent moderate, and 23 percent liberal.

The change in political philosophy can be attributed to the dominant topic on voter’s minds throughout the Upper Midwest, the lack of fiscal discipline by our current elected leaders.  If you go to Washington D.C., the state capitol or the city hall promising to change the way government works and you fail to do so, you haven’t done our job, you don’t deserve to be re-elected.

This brings me to an article published in MinnPost yesterday inferring that social issues and not fiscal issues are controlling the political discussion this election cycle.  With all due respect, I find myself a bit perplexed by this train of thought.

I have listened to well over 50 debates this election cycle throughout the Upper Midwest and elsewhere, including the countless number held in our Governor’s race in Minnesota.  Sure, there were noticeable differences: the candidates, the offices sought, and of course positions on issues.

Yet, the one constant in these debates was that they ALL focused on spending and tax-related issues, fiscal-oriented issues.  Why, you ask?  Well, because these are the issues that lawmakers have the most control over, the greatest ability to reform in the immediate future, and the most impact on citizen’s everyday lives.

Yes, social issues are important and will certainly remain so for elections to come.  However, like it or not, these issues aren’t the focal point of the upcoming election.  If you don’t believe me, then ask the candidates, even ask the media covering these races, they will tell you the same thing.

So, before you cast your ballot, ask yourself a few questions:  Of the candidates out there, whose overall policies best represent the values and principles that you hold and practice on a daily basis?  If you want to make certain that government lives within its means, just as your family does, which candidates hold these same positions?  What candidates are the TRUE fiscal conservatives?

I’m confident that voters will make wise decisions.  I just wish that more of our politicians would have too.  But heck, that’s why we have elections, right?