Poll: Most Voters Back Spending Cuts Over Revenue Increases

It appears as if more voters prefer deficit reduction via spending cuts than revenue increases.

According to a new poll from Zogby International, 36 percent of voters only want the deficit cut solely through “reduced expenditures” and an additional 22 percent want “More from reduced expenditures, but some increased revenues.”

In contrast, 23 percent want increased revenue coupled with some cuts and only 3 percent want the deficit dealt with through revenue increases alone.

However, 85 percent of respondents said that they would back closing some tax loopholes and preferences, a move that some Republicans have equated with tax increases. In addition, 50 percent of voters support eliminating the Bush era tax cuts for those who earn over $250,000.

Cuts in entitlement programs are also opposed by a majority of voters. 67 percent polled said that they disagree with reducing the cost of living adjustments for Social Security recipients and an additional 70 percent oppose reducing provider payments for Medicare and Medicaid. 65 percent responded that they are in favor of means testing.

The poll comes amid ongoing negotiations aimed at raising the debt ceiling while simultaneously reducing the deficit. It was conducted among 2,132 likely voters between July 8th and the 11th.