What Tops Your List?

Are you more worried about the cost of a tank of gas or a visit to the doctor's office? According to a new study by PNC Financial Services, energy has overtaken health-insurance costs as the No. 1 problem small- and mid-sized business owners want to see addressed in the miderm elections.

USA Today's blog points out that the survey was conducted before energy prices fell (before they started to rise again). But as cold weather sets in (and as prices likely continue to rise) energy-cost concerns won't be going away any time soon.

NFIB monitors what small-business owners are thinking in its Problems and Priorities surveys. In the most recent edition, health-care costs still topped the list (while energy came in at No. 4). But the top spots on this survey are a lot like the college football top 25--any number of teams deserve the No. 1 spot (except, unfortunately, my Auburn Tigers).