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Note: This report is based on interviews with undecided voters conducted by CNHI journalists in eight states that collectively account for 101 electoral votes: Indiana, Pennsylvania, Ohio, New Hampshire, Missouri, Iowa, Minnesota and Michigan. We will check back with these voters throughout the final weeks of the election season.

Fixing the economy was the top concern among undecided voters surveyed by CNHI News Service.

Of 36 undecided voters interviewed during the last week and a half — in the race for president between Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama — 30 listed the economy as one of three major concerns. Eighteen said it was their most pressing.

Among the three Minnesotans in that survey, however, each had different top concerns: one said managing the government, one said health care, and the last said the war in Iraq.

Just 16 undecided voters listed the war in Iraq as one of their top issues, though five mentioned other foreign policy or defense-related concerns.

Of the Minnesotans, Tom Barna of Mankato seems the most unlikely undecided voter.

“I am a lifelong Republican, retired Marine officer — two-war veteran— political science major, from a strong conservative family,” he said. “And for the first time in my adult life, I am undecided.”

Like Barna, many people are undecided this time. And this time — with the nation seemingly at the brink of financial disaster, and with both major parties offering history-making tandems — there’s a little more urgency to that choice.

The Free Press, along with a handful of CNHI publications in other swing vote states, talked to undecided voters about the candidates and the issues that will influence their decisions. The voters range in age from 18 to 80 and represent a variety of education and income levels, family backgrounds and political ideologies. Slightly more than half are women.

The survey took place in eight states, many of which — such as Ohio, New Hampshire, Indiana, Pennsylvania and Missouri — are closely contested between the campaigns. Polls show Obama with a growing lead in the others: Minnesota, Iowa and Michigan.

Three of those voters came from the Free Press’ coverage area. In addition to Barna, Barb Larson Taylor of St. Peter and Deb Anderson of Blue Earth were among those surveyed.

Barb Larson Taylor, 37, of St. Peter, was one of those who mentioned being concerned about the war in Iraq.

“I like both candidates and think they both are strong,” she said. “I think both need a strong VP and I don't like either of the VPs. In part because, even though I was opposed to the start of the war in Iraq, I am waiting to see how the Iraq stabilizes. I am concerned that withdrawing now will leave the citizens of that country in a horrible position and will further weaken our international relations.”

Barna said he’s been less than impressed at how the candidates have discussed their plans to run the country.