New Poll Finds Americans Skeptical over Proposals ...

As the Bush administration huddles with major lenders to finalize a relief plan for subprime borrowers, new results today from a survey conducted by Harris Interactive® on behalf of the National Taxpayers Union (NTU) warn against the government going too far. Almost half (48%) of U.S. adults aged 18 and older think a federal bailout of the subprime market would help either lenders who issue subprime mortgages or Wall Street banks who profit from subprime mortgages; in contrast, roughly a quarter (26%) believe homeowners who hold subprime mortgages would benefit most.

"When it comes to rescuing the subprime mortgage market, Americans are skeptical not only of who will benefit, but who will be left holding the bag," said NTU Vice President for Policy & Communications Pete Sepp. "While other surveys have shown serious public concerns over rising mortgage defaults, this poll demonstrates Americans have equally serious reservations over government involvement in the solution."