Iowans Voice Their Top Issues, Ideas on Fixing U.S. Political System

VOTE 2012 -- January 3, 2012 at 5:05 PM EDT

Iowans Voice Their Top Issues, Ideas on Fixing U.S. Political System

As Iowans gather for Caucuses around the state to literally stand up for their GOP presidential candidate of choice, we asked several residents about their most pressing concerns of this campaign season and how they view the U.S. political system.

Nicholas Valadez of Des Moines says unemployment tops his list of electoral issues:

Jeff Ridenour of Oskaloosa says his most important issue is abortion and defending the rights of the unborn:

Kelli Griffis of Des Moines said campaign-finance reform leads her list of concerns:

Shannon Koski of Oskaloosa isn't so sure the problems with the political system could be fixed within his lifetime:

Read a scene-setter blog post about the Iowa Caucuses from our political team and a lesson plan on our site for teachers and students. View all of our political coverage here.

Catch the latest on the Iowa Caucuses on Tuesday's NewsHour broadcasts at 6, 9 and 11 p.m. ET. You can watch online here.

Elizabeth Summers contributed to this report. Video editing by Rani Robelus and Saskia de Melker. Text editing by Larisa Epatko.

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