Mainers believe economy fragile

AUGUSTA – Nearly 55 percent of those responding to a mid-October poll believe Maine has entered a recession, 25 percentage points more than held that view last May, results released Tuesday say.

The survey also shows strong support for the way President Bush has led the war on terrorism, with 87 percent expressing approval. Eighty-four percent said they approve of how Bush’s Cabinet has handled the war.

The survey by Strategic Marketing Services of Portland reflects pessimism among Mainers about their personal financial situation. Nearly 49 percent of those polled expect their household money situation to stay the same in 2002, but 20 percent think it will worsen.

Of the 400 Maine adults surveyed between Oct. 17 and 22, nearly 74 percent said they think the state’s economy is in a recession or will be in one in the next three months. Of those asked the same question in May 2001, barely half thought the economy was turned in the wrong direction.

On political issues, the survey offers an early snapshot of how Mainers leaned in the gubernatorial race of 2002, the year independent Gov. Angus King’s second term winds down.

Asked whom they would vote for if the election were held that day, nearly half said they would choose Democratic U.S. Rep. John Baldacci of Bangor. Republicans Peter Cianchette and Daniel Wathen each drew support from about 10 percent of those polled. Independent David Flanagan had support from 6 percent, while 3 percent favored Jonathan Carter of the Green party.

On the terrorist attacks, the responses show Mainers intend to lead normal lives and are not overly worried about possible threats, yet just over half – 51 percent – believe the state is “very” or “somewhat” prepared to handle an act of terrorism.

Nearly 90 percent of those surveyed said their Thanksgiving holiday plans have not been changed by the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, while 66 percent said they are not worried someone in their family will come into contact with anthrax and 72 percent say their communities have returned to normal since the attacks.

Small percentages said they were considering taking extra measures to prepare for a possible terrorist attack. Eighteen percent said they would stock up on bottled water, 17 percent would get extra food, 2 percent would get a gun and 2 percent would get a gas mask.

On other issues:

. 56 percent favored a universal health care system, 31 percent oppose it and 13 percent are unsure.

. 75 percent of those responding and concerned about their personal information being available on the Internet.