Forty-four percent (44%) of U.S. voters like the idea of a federal government guarantee of automobile warranties issued by companies that go out of business, according to a new Rasmussen Reports national telephone survey.

However, nearly as many (42%) are opposed, while 14% aren’t sure what they think of the proposal.

Democrats are far more enthusiastic than others about the government warranty plan announced by President Obama on Monday. The plan is intended to ease the worries of those who own vehicles manufactured by General Motors and Chrysler, both of which are teetering on the brink of bankruptcy, or who intend to buy one of their cars.

Fifty-eight percent (58%) of Democrats favor the plan, while 61% of Republicans are opposed to it. Among voters not affiliated with either major party, 48% support it, but 39% don’t.

Investors are closely divided over the plan. The Rasmussen Investor Index is down slightly today for the second day in a row after a week of gains.

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“If you buy a car from Chrysler or General Motors, you will be able to get your car serviced and repaired, just like always,” the president said on Monday. “Your warranty will be safe. In fact, it will be safer than it’s ever been, because starting today, the United States government will stand behind your warranty.”

It is unclear how much the warranty program which includes vehicles sold overseas will cost taxpayers, even with a small contribution from the automakers. The New York Times reported on Monday that GM paid $4.5 billion worldwide on warranties in 2007 and $3.9 billion during the first nine months of last year.

The president has given Chrysler 30 more days to find a business partner and GM 60 days to come back with a better reorganization plan before releasing any more taxpayer money to them in the form of loans. If their efforts don’t satisfy the president’s auto task force, the companies are expected to go into bankruptcy.

Regardless of what the companies come back with, 62% of voters oppose any further government loans to keep the automakers in business.

Seventy-six percent (76%) of voters now believe it is possible for the U.S. economy to recover even if GM goes out of business.

The majority of Americans have an unfavorable opinion of both auto companies which are seeking federal bailout help. Fifty-one percent (51%) have a favorable view of Ford which has not sought government help.

Most voters say it is at least somewhat likely that GM or Chrysler will go out of business in the next few years.

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