Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) said the Iran war has overtaken other issues for voters ahead of the Nov. 3 midterm elections, while affordability concerns remain acute as diesel prices approach record levels. AAA reported a national diesel average of $6.4531 a gallon on Sept. 28, up from $3.6856 a year earlier and just below the $6.5276 record reached Sept. 22. The Energy Information Administration put U.S. on-highway diesel at $6.529 on Sept. 21, with the Midwest at $6.680. Republicans, including Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) and President Donald Trump, have backed a temporary diesel export ban, while Energy Secretary Chris Wright warned it could reduce refinery output and supply. Other proposed measures have also drawn criticism. Polling showed Trump’s approval at 32%, with 17% approving of his cost-of-living handling, while registered voters favored Democrats 43% to 35% in a generic midterm matchup. Rural voters also cited the economy, groceries, gas and healthcare as major concerns. Earlier polling found 60% believed Trump’s economic policies had worsened the economy, and Sen. Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.) said Trump lacked a strategic goal, plan, timeline and exit strategy for the conflict.