MU Law Poll: Inflation top concern among voters heading into end of midterms

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Pressing issues are likely to energize voters to turnout in a hotly contested midterm election in Wisconsin, with inflation leading the way for most voters, according to a Marquette University Law School Poll released Nov. 2.

The final poll before voting concludes on Nov. 8 reveals incumbent Democratic Governor Tony Evers and his Republican challenger Tim Michels are tied at 48%. In the race for U.S. Senate, incumbent Republican Ron Johnson edges Democratic challenger Mandela Barnes 50% to 48%, a statistical tie, given the margin of error.

The poll also revealed the top issues of concern for voters, with inflation listed as the top concern for most voters.

But there are differences in priorities for voters depending on party affiliation.

"Inflation is the top priority for both Republicans and independents," Marquette University Law School Poll director Charles Franklin told reporters. "It's not clear how much that has played a role as a central issue in the campaigns themselves."

While 80% of Republicans surveyed said inflation is their top issue, only 38% of Democrats agree. For Democrats, their top issue of concern is abortion policy, at 81%, listing that as number one, compared to 33% of Republicans. Franklin said Democratic candidates are honing in on that topic in hopes of boosting turnout with their base.

"In talking about abortion, Democrats are really talking to their core voters who are most concerned about that issue, but independents a bit less and republicans far less," Franklin said.

With the hot button issues energizing voters, Franklin predicts turnout to be on par with 2018, which saw the highest turnout for a midterm election in the state's history with nearly 60% turnout.

"It does show turnout of the same order of magnitude as we saw in 2018 give or take a little bit," Franklin said.