The Pew Research Center recently conducted a poll called "Trends in Political Values and Attitudes."  The study examined public opinions over the past 20 years about political and social concerns. And part of their research includes financial stability:

More broadly, the poll finds that money worries are rising. More than four-in-ten (44%) say they "don&39;t have enough money to make ends meet," up from 35% in 2002. While a majority continues to say they are "pretty well satisfied" with their personal financial situation, that number is lower than it has been in more than a decade.

This statistic is certainly being reflected in the rising debt levels and falling savings levels we&39;ve recently seen. The report also revealed that Republicans and Democrats have very different opinions about how their income measures up:

Three-in-four (74%) Republicans with annual incomes of less than $50,000 say they are "pretty well satisfied" with their financial conditions compared with 40% of Democrats and 39% of independents with similar incomes.

I wonder if a lot of that chalks up to Democrats often living in more expensive areas, where their income doesn&39;t go as far? With some pretty major economic shifts taking place thanks to the "credit crisis" and mortgage industry crash, it will be interesting to see how these numbers look next year.

In the meantime, the survey brings up an interesting question: Does your financial situation impact your vote? What do you think?