Poll indicates growing economic concern

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The nation's economy remains the No.1 concern of U.S. voters, widening its lead over all other issues, The Harris Poll reported Friday.

The new survey says 64 percent of adults contacted said the economy is the issue in greatest need of government attention. It was reported the first time any issue has topped 60-percent in a Harris poll.

The 64 percent is up from 54 percent in September and 43 percent in August.

Healthcare came second in importance among those surveyed, at 22 percent, followed by "the war," Iraq, education and taxes, Harris said.

U.S. President George Bush's ratings (24 percent positive and 75 percent negative) equaled his lowest ratings in April and September of this year.

Just one in 10 Americans (11 percent) say that the country is going in the right direction while 83 percent say it is going on the wrong track. Harris said this breaks the previous low of 12 percent occurring during the administration of President George H.W. Bush in June 1992.

The poll contacted 1,027 U.S. adults by telephone from Oct. 16-19.