OSKALOOSA, Iowa – The economy, economy, economy, right? Not always in this presidential election.

For some voters in pivotal states, issues such as wind energy tax credits or coal-industry jobs may win the day. Both President Barack Obama and Republican Mitt Romney are talking local topics everywhere they go, showing how a fierce national race can lead the candidates to play to, and in some cases get dragged into, issues affecting voters right down to their doorsteps.

During a three-day bus tour through Iowa, Obama has gone out of his way to highlight Romney's opposition to the renewal of wind production tax credits that have drawn support from Iowa Republicans including Gov. Terry Branstad and Sen. Charles Grassley. The credits have been in place for 20 years – Grassley authored the bill in the Senate – but are set to expire this year, threatening about 37,000 jobs nationally.