New ABC12-Epic MRA polls paints bleak economic picture

MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) -- (05/29/08)--The results of our exclusive ABC12/Epic MRA poll are painting a bleak picture of Michigan's economy.

The poll surveyed 600 people statewide. Of all the questions asked, one of the most lopsided involved the state's financial footing over the past year.

The poll revealed 84 percent of respondents felt Michigan's economy had gotten worse, and 11 percent said it stayed about the same. And only 1 percent thought it had improved.

"It's hard to find many polls where 84 percent say it's gotten worse," said political analyst Prof. Paul Rozycki.

"Well, that reflects both the status of Michigan in the past eight years and, of course, the national situation between the stock market, the mortgage crisis and other similar financial worries."

Those worries don't seem to be going away any time soon.

On Wednesday, Dow Chemical announced it was raising prices by up to 20 percent to offset the rising costs of energy, raw materials and transportation.

The chairman of the Midland-based company is blaming Washington for failing to come up with a sound energy policy.

The company isn't alone in its criticism of the federal government. In our poll, 73 percent of respondents said the country was on the wrong track.

As for President George W. Bush, more than three out of four people gave him a negative job approval rating.

The poll wasn't specific about who respondents blamed for the downturn, so we took to the streets of Flint to find out.

"I blame big business," said Gordon Brown.

"I don't know if you can blame one thing on it," said Jeff Morgan.

"George Bush," said Rachel Kulis.

"I just think it's a cumulative thing. I don't think it's all just President Bush," said Stephanie Jarvis.

"I think it's anywhere from gas prices to just the hard economy. We've been through this before and we've always rebounded."

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local, gabe gutierrez

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