Survey: Economy Top Factor For Small Business Presidential Pick

Illinois small businesses overwhelmingly rank the economy and jobs as the most important factor in choosing a president, according to a survey by The George Washington University and Thumbtack.com Monday. However, ethics, honesty and corruption in government rated as the second-most important issue for small businesses in Illinois.

“Small businesses are deeply attuned to the effect of politics on job creation and the economy,” said Dr. David Rehr, a lead researcher on the study with the George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management. “Entrepreneurs are feeling squeezed by the tight lending environment, and they want their elected leaders to curb the influence of money in politics.”

Some of the key findings for Illinois include:

41% of all Illinois small business owners rated the economy and jobs as the single most important factor for them in choosing a president.

48% of Illinois small businesses stated that state small business incentives are very important to the success of their business.

Illinois small businesses rate gas and fuel costs as the single most burdensome cost to their businesses - more burdensome than even self-employment taxes or health care costs.

Nationally, 39% of small businesses say that President Obama is the more supportive candidate of small business, with 31% saying the same of Governor Romney. And 28% are still not sure.

The full survey report can be found here: http://www.thumbtack.com/il/