New Jersey Polls Show Governor Candidate Christie Leading Pro-Abortion Corzine

State   |   Steven Ertelt   |   Aug 7, 2009   |   9:00AM   |   WASHINGTON, DC

New Jersey Polls Show Governor Candidate Christie Leading Pro-Abortion Corzine

by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
August 7
, 2009

Trenton, NJ (LifeNews.com) — New polling data in the governor’s race in New Jersey continues to show Republican challenger Chris Christie holding a substantial lead over pro-abortion Gov. Jon Corzine. A new Rasmussen Reports survey of voters in the Garden State finds Christie on top 50% to 37%.

Another 5 percent prefer another candidate and eight percent of voters are unsure.

The 13 percentage point lead is a gain for Christie over his pro-abortion counterpart, as a Rasmussen poll had Christie ahead by just seven percent in early July.

In that poll, Christie’s lead stretched to 12-points when "leaners" were included and Rasmussen says it now appears those who were leaning in the challengers direction have become more firm in their decision.

Leaners are those who initially indicate no preference for either of the candidates but answer a follow-up question and say they are leaning towards a particular candidate. Currently, Christie’s lead is at 13-points both with and without leaners.

The Rasmussen poll finds 84 percent of Republican voters now back Christie, but only 64% of Democrats support Corzine. The GOP candidate leads 64% to 19% among voters not affiliated with either major party.

A win in the New Jersey governor’s race, combined with a win for pro-life candidate Bob McDonnell in the Virginia governor’s race would be a rebound for pro-life advocates given that both states went for pro-abortion President Barack Obama in the 2008 election.

Rasmussen cautioned against assuming that Christie will be able to defeat the abortion advocate.

"Despite Christie’s strengthened lead, it’s important to note that a Republican has not won statewide office in New Jersey since 1997, and Democratic candidates often close strong in the fall. Corzine is expected to significantly outspend his challenger during the closing months of the campaign," the polling firm wrote in its analysis.

Just 37% approve of Corzine’s performance as governor, down three points from a month ago. Sixty-three percent (63%) disapprove, an increase of five in the same period.

But those who strongly disapprove of the job Corzine is doing outnumber those who strongly approve by a four-to-one margin – 44% to 11%.

On a personal basis, 37% have a favorable view of Corzine, down six points from early July. Even worse news for the governor is that he is now viewed unfavorably by 62%, a 16-point jump from the previous survey.

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