Gas, groceries and getting by: How voters in one Ohio district see affordability

"“We were told that it was going to be different.” That's what Alan Isbell of Toledo, Ohio, said when discussing what he sees as the rising cost of living. Isbell was on his way in to cast his vote in Ohio's primary elections on March 4 when he spoke with NPR. Toledo is part of Ohio's 9th Congressional District, which Cook Political Report sees as a toss-up race heading into this year's midterm elections."

"Many other Ohio residents shared concerns similar to Isbell saying that they've had to rethink how they buy groceries and where they travel due to high gas prices. That sentiment isn't unique to this district. According to the latest NPR/PBS News/Marist poll, more than 8 in 10 Americans said prices at the pump are putting a strain on their household budget, with a strong majority blaming President Trump."

"Ohio is also home to key elections including races for U.S. Senate and governor. The House seat for this district has been held by Democrat Marcy Kaptur since 1983. Ohio is operating on a new congressional redistricting map, enacted last year. The map is meant to favor Republicans and Kaptur's seat is one they're hoping to flip."

"On her way to vote in Toledo, Republican Elizabeth Day blamed the war in Iran for high gas prices. She says she's been trying to shop wisely and use coupons where possible and thinks that she can handle the strain on her finances until her party finds a way to bring prices down. “I think that they will do their best to get the federal government to bring prices down as much as they can,” Day said."

Alan Isbell in Toledo said he was told things would be different, but he sees the cost of living rising. He spoke while heading to vote in Ohio’s March 4 primary elections. Toledo is in Ohio’s 9th Congressional District, which is considered a toss-up for the U.S. House, with voters potentially affecting the balance of power. Many residents reported rethinking grocery purchases and travel because of high gas prices. An NPR/PBS News/Marist poll found more than 8 in 10 Americans say pump prices strain household budgets, with many blaming President Trump. The 9th District’s House seat has been held by Democrat Marcy Kaptur since 1983, and Ohio’s new redistricting map is intended to favor Republicans. Republican Elizabeth Day attributed high gas prices to the war in Iran and said she uses coupons and shops wisely while expecting federal action to reduce prices.

Read at www.npr.org