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Most Americans like TSA

Gallup polls shows majority of fliers and nonfliers approve of security officers.

A majority of Americans approve of the Transportation Security Administration, according to a Gallup poll released Wednesday.

The survey found 54 percent of Americans think TSA is doing a good or excellent job. Eighty-five percent said the agency is at least “somewhat effective.”

Americans most familiar with the agency seem to like it the most, as 57 percent of those who have flown with in the last year approve TSA, compared to 52 percent of nonfliers.

The positive reviews come amid some bad press for the agency and calls to privatize airport security.

The poll was conducted by phone July 9 through July 12, with a random sampling of 1,014 people. Gallup says the margin of error is plus or minus 4 percent.