WASHINGTON (January 17, 2013)—A new Associated Press-GfK poll finds that most Americans think jarring economic problems would result if lawmakers don't increase the government's debt limit, but the survey also shows that people are torn over how or even whether to raise it.

They lean slightly toward Republican demands that any boost be accompanied by federal spending cuts.

Fifty-three percent say if the debt limit is not extended and the U.S. defaults, there will be a major economic crisis while the rest say such a crisis would be somewhat likely or they largely dismiss the prospects of such damage.

Thirty-nine percent support GOP demands that deep spending cuts be attached to any debt ceiling increase.

Thirty percent back President Barack Obama's insistence that the debt limit be raised now and budget cuts be debated later.