MIAMISBURG, Ohio – Gubernatorial and congressional candidates are honing in on one of the nation’s hot-button topics: gasoline prices.

The Associated Press reports that some candidates are using gasoline prices as part of their campaign platform to discredit the opposing party and strengthen their own position or draw more attention to the use of alternative fuel sources. Some candidates are even banking on gasoline prices to remain top of mind well into the November elections.

“Candidates from both parties are paying attention to polls that show people attach the same level of concern to energy issues as they do to terrorism and immigration. About seven of every 10 Americans expect gas price increases to cause them or their families financial hardship over the next six months, and many expect it to be a serious hardship, according to an AP-Ipsos poll taken in early June,” writes the news source.

Gasoline prices also draw a line of distinction between Republican and Democratic candidates. According to the AP, “Democrats try to pin the blame on Republicans who control the White House and Congress. Republicans counter that Democrats oppose increased oil exploration and don't have a good plan to rein in gas prices.”

Herb Asher, an Ohio State University political science professor, told the AP that gasoline prices aren’t likely to be the most important campaign issue, but they will make voters “feel less good about the economy and their own economic situation."

Ross Baker, a political science professor at Rutgers University, commented that gasoline price concerns among consumers may cool down after the summer months, but it will be back as the holiday season nears and consumers take into account their discretionary spending.

One consumer told the AP that she doesn’t believe the U.S. Congress or the president has “direct price control on corporate decisions such as those of the oil companies,” while another consumer said she’ll stick with her party when it comes time to vote.