National.

A Gallup Organization Inc. poll released last week shows that bankers interested in getting new securities powers are unlikely to find help in Congress.

In a survey of returning and newly elected members of Congress, pollsters found a more than two-to-one margin against granting banks the power to underwriter and deal in securities. Forty-six percent were opposed, 17% in favor, and 34% undecided.

The survey also reveals only 6% of congress considers banking a critical issue.

Only 9% of a lawmakers overall view aid to cities as key issues. But the poll shows a wide disparity between new and returning members of Congress, with 57% of new members saying they believe aid to cities is "very important" or "critical," a view held by only 35% of returning members.

Lawmakers said they considered taking action on jobs, the federal deficit, and health care as the most important tasks.

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