In the midst of an economic decline and a dramatic presidential election season, the latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey found that 81% of Likely Voters think the economy is Very Important as an electoral issue. Government ethics and corruption comes in second with 72% who say that issue is very important.

Each month, the Rasmussen Reports tracking poll on issues asks the nation's likely voters to rank the importance of ten electoral issues, and also to tell us which of the two major parties they trust more on these issues. The issues surveyed are the Economy, National Security and the War on Terror, the War in Iraq, Immigration, Government Ethics and Corruption, Taxes, Health Care, Social Security, Education, and Abortion.

In January, the Republicans had an advantage in four out of ten issues. This month, they only lead the Democrats in one issue. However, the Democrat’s generic advantage doesn’t automatically translate to their Presidential candidates—John McCain matches up well with both Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama on key issues including the economy and national security.

When it comes to the economy, nearly half of voters (49%) trust the democrats more than Republicans. Thirty-eight percent (38%) trust the GOP’s more. This advantage could have an impact on the general election, given the high level of concern over the economy. Consumer and investor confidence, as measured in the Rasmussen Consumer Index, have been at their lowest levels in seven years recently.

On the second most important issue, government ethics and corruption, the Democrats have a sixteen-point advantage over the Republicans.

The Republican party has a modest lead over the Democrats in terms of trust on National Security and the War on Terror. The GOP party is trusted more by 46% while the Democrats are trusted more by 44%. That issue is very important to 66% of Likely voters.

The two parties are tied at 43% when it comes to the issue of taxes. Fifty-eight percent (58%) of voters see taxes as a very important issue.

On the issue of health care, the democrats are trusted more by a 50% to 35% margin. That issue is seen as very important by 61% of voters. Democrats also hold a ten-point advantage in education (Very Important to 63%) and social security (Very Important to 64%.)

To see the top issues of importance and leading party among issues, click here.

Historical data for Trust on Issues I and Issues II and Importance of Issues I and Issues II are available for Premium Members only.