Winthrop Poll: Economy Tops SC Citizens' Concerns

10:44 AM, Feb 8, 2012   |    comments
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Rock Hill, SC (WLTX) -- The latest Winthrop Poll is out, and the economy and direction of the nation are chief among citizens' concerns.

In a survey of 878 adults living in South Carolina from Jan.29-Feb. 6 (with the exception of Super Bowl Sunday), the economy in general was cited as the biggest problem facing the nation, while respondents most frequently mentioned unemployment as a problem facing the state.

In addition, more than one-in-five people (21.3%) responded they were worried about running out of food before they could afford to buy more during the last year.

Those surveyed also stated in an almost two-to-one margin (59% to 31.2%, respectively) that the country is headed in the wrong direction; 46% believe South Carolina is also on the wrong path.

Also, Gov. Nikki Haley was recognized as the most nationally famous living South Carolinian.  When asked, 11.4% of respondents mentioned her over Senators Jim DeMint and Lindsey Graham, former Governor Mark Sanford, Representative Jim Clyburn, and comedian Stephen Colbert, a Charleston native.

In light of Governor Haley asking state employees to answer phone calls with "It's a great day to be in South Carolina," pollsters also asked if those surveyed had experienced stress or worry the day before. 

About two-thirds (66.4%) stated they hadn't experienced much stress, and 73.7% say they hadn't been worrying a great deal during that time either.

Read the full Winthrop Poll here.