Poll Shows Souring on Massachusetts

BOSTON — Nearly half the residents of the state that was home to the “Massachusetts miracle” would consider moving out if the economy worsens, a poll indicates.

Of 436 voters polled last month, 50% said they would not consider leaving if the economy worsens, 47% said they would and 3% said they do not know.

One-third of those polled said they are cutting back on groceries because of the economy, and 30% said they worry about losing their jobs. Most of the latter group were young, 18 to 39, and middle-income--$30,000 to $60,000 a year; they were also chief among those saying they would consider moving.

The poll also found that 61% believe that the economy will get worse during the next six months, and 42% blame state policy-makers for the state of the economy.