10-24-13 poll-economic outlook

MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Most state residents are pessimistic about the direction in which America is going, although they're much more optimistic about Wisconsin's outlook.  A poll released Wednesday by Wisconsin Public Radio and St. Norbert says 80 percent of respondents think the U.S. is heading in the wrong direction. They say the top problems facing the country include gridlock and polarization, as well as financial issues such as the budget, taxes and deficit.  Half of respondents think the state of Wisconsin is moving in the right direction. They say their biggest concerns in the state are the economy and jobs, followed by dissatisfaction with the government.  The telephone survey of 400 people was conducted between Oct. 9 and Oct 21. The margin of error is plus or minus 5 percentage points.