One of my pet peeves is that most people and the media worship at the altar of voting issues. I believe it far more important to vote on a candidate's philosophy and prnciples. Too many people, knowningly or unknowingly, become swayed by one issue or another and ignore their own broader principles, i.e. the forest or the trees.
How often do you compare your position on any given issue to your basic principles?
One other point I would make is that basing one's decision on "the issue or issues" almost assuredly results in more government intervention and as the current issues fade into history new issues must be created for the next election.
Actually, I agree with you, but there must be a balance between issues, and the candidates principles/philosophy.