Election day is two weeks away. Do you know where your issues are?

Mudslinging and cutesy comebacks littered the debates, and important matters have been swept away.

A brief synopsis of framing theory may prove helpful here. Framing theory states people evaluate candidates based on their “frames.” Debates highlight important issues at the expense of others.

These prominent issues become the basis for viewers to make decisions.

According to CNN’s issue tracker poll, 58 percent of people think the economy is the most important issue. Health care and terrorism tie for second with 13 percent, followed by the war in Iraq with 9 percent and illegal immigration has 5 percent. Two percent of issues fall under “other”.

“Other” issues include, but are not limited to: women’s rights and abortion, education, gun control, lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights, and stem-cell research.

The debates seem to focus on same-sex marriage for two minutes. Gov. Palin did insist she would support the rights of gay couples when it comes to hospital visits and document signing.

Besides that, civil unions remain a question unanswered, as well as things like employment benefits and adoption rights for gay couples.

Students should wonder what education a president will implement. Wouldn’t a graduate student want to hear about education and not hearsay about Afghanistan?

People could very well log onto the candidates’ Web sites and read their stances on issues side-by-side. But candidate’s should still answer with substance.

Nov. 4 determines more than the economy and energy. Voters, focus on issues that are important to you. Don’t be caught off guard by a candidate.

Don’t trust the media framers. Vote in conjunction with your issues.