Soaring diesel prices helped usher in Democratic sweep
USO•Record-high Election Day diesel and gasoline prices helped push voters toward Democrats, while nearly 9 in 10 voters cited the cost of living as a major or crucial factor. The Trump administration’s $8 billion farm aid had not been disbursed before the election.
1. Fuel costs shape vote
Record-high diesel and gasoline prices on Election Day helped push Americans toward Democrats in Tuesday’s midterms, exit polls showed. Nearly 9 in 10 voters said the cost of living was a crucial or major factor in their vote, and many said they felt worse off than two years earlier.
2. Farmers face higher costs
Farmers said high diesel and other input costs made it difficult to earn a living. Kansas Farmers Union president Donn Teske said fuel costs affect farm equipment, transport and household budgets.
3. Aid not yet disbursed
Trump announced an $8 billion farmer support program last month to offset high diesel costs during the autumn harvest, but an administration official said the aid would not be disbursed until after the election. Farmers said they did not know whether it would cover their increased costs; Teske called it “a Band-Aid.”
