War, economy sway race

0 Comments | USA TODAY, October, 2006 | by Susan Page and Jill Lawrence

WASHINGTON -- Two weeks before Election Day, voters are more focused on national issues than in any previous congressional election, a USA TODAY/Gallup Poll finds, and they express unprecedented pessimism on the war in Iraq and downbeat attitudes about the economy. Just 19% of those surveyed say the United States is winning in Iraq, an all-time low.

And 38% say their own member of Congress doesn't deserve re-election, an all-time high. As Republicans face a wave of voter discontent unmatched since they won control of Congress in 1994, Democrats are pouring money into congressional contests that until recently looked out of reach. They are running TV ads in 42 districts they are trying to wrest from the GOP, three of them new targets starting today. Republicans have bought TV...