Few members of Congress want to earn the anti-soldier label during an election year. Voters may oppose the war but won't hesitate to throw someone out if they see a lack of support for the troops in the field, even if it means a long-term taxpayer commitment.

House members debated increased educational benefits for soldiers earlier this month. This past week, the House Armed Services Committee approved a bill authorizing more than $600 billion for defense spending next year. It's similar to one already approved in the U.S. Senate.

It includes a 3.9 percent pay raise for troops. The Associated Press says the package -- better health care and other benefits -- is more than requested by President Bush but it keeps in line with the election-year effort to boost benefits for service members and veterans.

The pay boost comes on the heels of a 3.5 percent pay raise which took effect in January of this year. That increase will cost the country more than $2 billion if maintained for five years.

The lingering wars in Afghanistan and Iraq have been the predominant issue on the presidential campaign but gas prices and a sputtering economy now rank up there. It's too early to tell which issue will be top of mind when voters enter their polling place come November.