State voters' top priority: education

When it comes to voters' national concerns, education ranks second, slightly higher than terrorism/security. Last month, the Public Education Network and Education Week newspaper reported that while 16 percent of voters polled are most concerned about education, 13 percent are most worried about terrorism/security. The economy/jobs ranks No. 1 for 26 percent, while the war in Afghanistan garners only 4 percent.

In terms of balancing state budgets, however, voters say protecting education from spending cuts is the No. 1 priority (see chart).

Source: Public Education Network and Education Week