Survey Finds Opposition to Raising the Debt Ceiling, Dissatisfaction with Washington and Conservative Unrest with Republicans

AUSTIN, Texas, July 20, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Generation America, a national membership organization for Americans over 50, recently completed a survey of its members, and found widespread dissatisfaction with the political leadership in Washington – including conservative dissatisfaction with Republicans -- as well as nearly universal opposition to raising the federal debt ceiling.

The recent survey was conducted by Generation America's media and research partner, Parker Media. More than 3,000 respondents provided their views on major issues of the day, the performance of public institutions and their outlook for both the country and their own personal futures.

"We're the conservative alternative to AARP and our members are conservatives," said Generation America CEO Patrick Boykin. "And our members are watching what's going on and they're not happy." Generation America has sent results of the survey to the White House and to the leadership of both political parties.

As President Obama and Republican leaders in Congress negotiate raising the federal debt ceiling above $14.3 trillion the survey found overwhelming opposition to increasing federal borrowing. Ninety-seven percent of respondents said they opposed increasing the debt limit. Less than two percent favored granting the administration's request.

The poll also found widespread dissatisfaction with the performance of the political leadership on both sides of the aisle. When asked to rate President Obama's performance in office, nearly 96 percent rated it unfavorably. When asked to rate the performance of the GOP in fulfilling its campaign pledge to cut federal spending, 42 percent disapproved despite the fact that approximately 90 percent of members have previously identified themselves as politically conservative.

House Republicans did not fare much better. While 96 percent of the respondents disapproved of the performance of the U.S. Senate, which is under Democratic control, nearly 40 percent disapproved of the performance of the U.S. House of Representatives, under Republican control.

The survey found a decided lack of confidence in the direction of the country and the people's personal futures. Ninety-eight percent of respondents said the country is on the wrong track. When asked about their personal outlook 12 months from now, 46 percent said the quality of their life would probably decline. When asked about the outlook for their children and grandchildren's futures, 70 percent said the outlook was negative.

Complete survey results are available upon request

Generation America is a membership organization for Americans over 50, providing access to exceptional discounts, benefits and services while supporting traditional American values. For more information visit www.generationamerica.org.

Parker Media is an independent publisher and a provider of thought leadership through research, advice, media and publishing. For more information visit www.parker-media.com.

SOURCE Generation America