More than three fourths of voters (78%) expect the issue of Government Ethics and Corruption to have a Very Important impact on their vote. Another 18% regard it as at least Somewhat Important, according to the latest Rasmussen Reports tracking poll of Election 2008 Issues.

That's even more voters than gave the issue top priority in our August poll (74%). As they did then, but now by a slightly bigger margin, voters trust Democrats more (40%) than Republicans (28%) to deal with corruption. Thirty-one percent (31%) state no partisan preference, however—the highest abstention rate on any issue we surveyed. (see Data Tables)

Each month Rasmussen Reports tracks how important ten major election issues are to voters. For each issue we also ask respondents which major party (if either) they are more comfortable trusting (see last month’s results).

Health Care currently tops headlines as Hillary Clinton rolls out her latest national health care plan, and Democrats have the edge here 51% to 35%—a bigger advantage than they have on any other issue. Our tracking poll finds that it's Very Important to 67% of voters.

A separate survey found that just 31% rate our nation’s health care system as good or excellent. Most, however, are more upbeat about their own health care coverage.

But along with Government Corruption, even more voters find the issues of National Security and the War on Terror (71%) and the Economy (72%) to be a #1 priority.

Democrats easily gain wider trust on the Economy (48% to 36%). But they are essentially tied with the GOP on National Security (44% to 43%). In August it was Republicans with a wafer-thin edge on National Security.

Over the last few years the Republicans have lost their historic advantage on National Security. Confidence that the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror has also declined during this period.

On the War in Iraq, the welling unpopularity of which has hurt Republicans more than Democrats, the latter are more-trusted by 49%, Republicans by 38%. The issue is Very Important to 62% of all voters.

Republicans eke out a three-point advantage on Taxes, here being trusted more by 44%, versus 41% who trust Democrats more. But Taxes are in any case lower on the totem pole for many voters, being a top priority for just 55%.

The parties are also closely matched on the issue of Abortion, where Democrats are better trusted 43% to 40%. Abortion is of top importance to only 42%.

Forty-three percent (43%) trust Democrats more than Republicans (34%) on Immigration, presently a top issue for a bare majority of 53%.

On Social Security, Very Important to 63%, Democrats have a six-point advantage of 44% to 38%.

On Education, also Very Important to 63%, it's Democrats 47%, Republicans 36%.

In all, Democrats enjoy at least a nominal advantage on nine of ten issues in this update of the tracking poll. On five issues, they are more widely trusted by a margin of ten points or more.

Historical data for Issues I and Issues II available for Premium Members only.