Poll: Most see damage if debt limit not raised
AP-GfK Poll: Most see harm if debt limit not raised, more support GOP demand for spending cuts
FILE - This Nov. 28, 2012 file photo shows House Budget Committee Chairman Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis. walking on Capitol Hill in Washington. House Republicans say they may seek a short-term extension of the government's debt limit in the next few weeks, a move that would avoid an immediate default by the Treasury. Ryan provided no details on the duration of any extension or conditions that might be attached as he appeared at a news conference during a break at a three-day retreat of the rank and file in historic Williamsburg, Va. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite, File)
WASHINGTON (AP) -- An Associated Press-GfK poll says most Americans think jarring economic problems would erupt if lawmakers don't increase the government's debt limit.
But the survey also shows that people are torn over how or even whether to raise it. They lean slightly toward Republican demands that any boost be accompanied by federal spending cuts.
Fifty-three percent say if the debt limit is not extended and the U.S. defaults, there will be a major economic crisis. The rest say such a crisis would be somewhat likely or they largely dismiss the prospects of such damage.
Thirty-nine percent support GOP demands that deep spending cuts be attached to any debt ceiling increase. Thirty percent back President Barack Obama's insistence that the debt limit be raised now and budget cuts be debated later.
