Poll: Most Say Economy In Recession

 HARTFORD (AP) _ The slow economy has touched prosperous Connecticut, where residents of all wealth levels say they’re reducing expenses, according to a new statewide poll released August 17.

Three-fourths of state residents said they believe the economy is in recession. And a majority don’t believe it will improve with Republican John McCain or Democrat Barack Obama as president.

“Despite the widespread enthusiasm about the 2008 presidential elections, Connecticut residents are not optimistic about what it portends for an economic recovery,” Samuel Best, director of the University of Connecticut Center for Survey and Research and Analysis, told the Hartford Courant.

The survey of 606 randomly selected adults was conducted between Aug. 4-12. The margin of error is plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Besides overwhelming dissatisfaction with the nation’s economy, the survey shows many Connecticut families are struggling and making substantial sacrifices to make ends meet, Best said.

Nearly one in five residents report borrowing to pay for everyday living expenses. And people at every income level said they’re making financial cutbacks, from carpooling to save on gas to putting off major purchases.

Consumers of all incomes are seeking out bargains at the grocery store. Two-thirds of those living in households earning $50,000 to $100,000, 79 percent of those in households earning less than $50,000, and more than half of those with household incomes of more than $100,000, said they’ve bought cheaper food.