'Huge hill for democrats to climb:' Experts weigh in on new poll showing economy top issue

LYNCHBURG, Va. (WSET) — With only nine days to go until the midterms, a new ABC News/IPSOS poll is shedding some light on what's on voters' minds this upcoming week.

According to the poll, 50% of all registered voters said either the economy, 28%, or inflation, 22%, is their single most important issue when voting for Congress.

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Dr. David Richards, chair of political science at the University of Lynchburg, said that poses a tough task for one party.

"There is a huge hill for democrats to climb because they are the party in power. I think the republicans have an opportunity to seize the high ground and talk about the economy," Dr. Richards said.

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Dr. Richards said the economy plays a big part in election outcomes.

"Elections tend to be referendums on the economy, so when the economy is good, the party in power often benefits from that. Obviously, when the economy is bad, the party in power is hit for that," Dr. Richards said.

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Abortion was another important issue reported in the poll, coming in at 16% for all voters.

It was the top issue for democrats, at 29%, while it was only 7% for republicans.