Study Cites Job Loss as Top Voter Concern

A new poll shows both Democrats and Republicans face a deeply unhappy electorate who are unified in their concern over the loss of American manufacturing jobs and the lack of work being done on the issue by Congress.

The poll, conducted by the Alliance for American Manufacturing (AAM) found the loss of U.S. manufacturing jobs to be the top concern among independents and working class voters, even compared to government debt, loss of life in Iraq and Afghanistan, the high cost of health care, illegal immigration or terrorism.  For the full poll results, click here.  

When asked about prospective economic solutions, pro-manufacturing policies won overwhelming support across demographics including non-union households, independents, union households and Tea Party supporters. 

"This is a blunt message for Washington. A majority of likely voters say the U.S. no longer has the world's strongest economy, and that Washington isn't doing enough to promote manufacturing despite the contributions this sector makes to America's economic security, our independence and our ability to stay ahead of global competition," said AAM Executive Director Scott Paul.

Among the poll’s other findings are: a majority believe the U.S. no longer has the world's strongest economy - a title they want to regain; 86 percent of voters want Washington to focus on manufacturing, and 63 percent feel working people who make things are being forgotten while Wall Street and banks get bailouts; two-thirds of voters believe manufacturing is central to our economic strength, and 57 percent believe manufacturing is more central to our economic strength than high-tech, knowledge or financial service sectors.