Remember back in 2004 when the nebulous concept of “moral values” took top priority with voters, according to exit polls, and the economy was of primary concern for only 18 percent of voters?

My, how times have changed. According to a recent Gallup poll, 35 percent of voters believe the economy is the top issue facing the country today. That’s up from 18 percent in December, and 11 percent in October. In fact, today, 55 percent of voters mention an aspect of the economy (fuel prices, unemployment) as a top concern, compared with 30 percent in the 2004 election.

A study by InfoUSA released last week also found that economy was the top concern among voters. Forty-two percent of respondents cited it the chief concern influencing their vote, while only 33 percent cited it as extremely important in May of 2007.