Hot-Button Issues On Ballots Color Election 2008

This year, on a national level, both candidates are focused on the economy. But on a more local level, some states are running highly controversial ballot initiatives.

Farai Chideya takes a broad look at how these controversial "values issues" affect the vote.

She speaks with Michael Fauntroy — assistant professor at the George Mason School of Public Policy — and Princella Smith, Visiting Fellow for the Independent Women's Voice and Chief Advocate for American Solutions.

Then, we focus on the impact of affirmative action and same-sex marriage initiatives with Jennie Drage Bowser, a Senior Election Analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures.