Texans Sound Off on Economy Politicians

Dallas Business Journal The majority of Texas voters surveyed in a bipartisan study released by the Texas Credit Union League have indicated that the economy and jobs are the top issues facing the state and Texas voters. The study was conducted by Public Opinion Strategies a Republican firm out of Virginia and Hamilton Campaigns a Democratic organization based in Florida. Overall the study concluded that Texas voters are more confident in their states economy when compared to the rest of the nation. The results were calculated via a telephone survey of 800 Texas registered voters and has a 3.5 margin of error. Texas voters are more optimistic than the rest of the country about our states economy and surviving this national current financial crisis said Buddy Gill TCULs chief advocacy officer. According to the survey 55 of Texas voters believe the state is heading in the right direction which is improved from 46 in 2004. At the moment only 3 rate the economy as excellent" about 50 rate it good" and 36 say it is not-so-good" and 10 are calling the economy poor." The optimists make up the majority in terms of future expectations with 45 of Texans believing the economy will get better in the next two years 22 think it will worsen and 29 believe it will remain the same. In terms of issues of concern 42 of Texas voters named the Economy & Jobs as the states top concern; followed by Illegal immigration (35); Education (35); Health care (25); Moral values (21); Property taxes (17); and State spending (10). Texans also rated their elected representatives. U.S. Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison R-Texas achieved the highest score with 66 of respondents giving her a favorable rating 18 giving her a negative rating and the rest undecided. Sen. John Cornyn R-Texas scored 47 in the positive rating category and 22 held a negative perception. Gov. Rick Perry had an approval score of 52 against 40 who were not content. Texas voters gave President Barack Obama a 49 approval rating compared to a 40 negative approval rating. Voters who were undecided were not included in the percentage breakdown. Looking ahead to the Republican primaries in Texas the survey concluded that Sen. Hutchison and Gov. Rick Perry received identical job approval ratings from Republican primary voters. When asked Who is to blame for the national financial crises" 16 of Texans say former President George W. Bush 14 blame Congress 14 blame the banks which ties with another 14 who blame greed among people who overspent 10 blame the federal government 3 blame President Barack Obama 1 blame the Federal Reserve. Others receiving blame include mortgage companies and lending institutions Wall Street large corporations and con artists like Bernie Madoff. *This article is from the Dallas Business Journal