Poll Shows Tough Times in PA

A new poll shows Pennsylvanians think the economy is the number one issue in the state and it is not looking good. The Quinnipiac Polling Institute found 53% of residents expect to spend less this year, while 43% say they'll spend about the same. In the meantime 54% of voters say they are worse off economically than they were a year ago, and they're not optimistic about the future. 23% say they'll be worse in the next 12 months. For those looking to retire the future looks a bit bleak as well. 73% of those who have a 401K or some other type of private retirement plan say they have lost money. There is some hope in the poll. Pollster Clay Richards says 62% of the respondents say they expect the economy to improve by the end of president-elect Barack Obama's first term. However, at the same time they were less sure about his ability to solve the nation's economic crisis. Just 38% say that he can do that.