A Survey USA poll conducted Oct. 5-7 confirms that the New Jersey governor’s race is neck-and-neck between Democratic incumbent Jon Corzine and Republican Chris Christie.
With just 26 days until the election, Christie has a statistically insignificant lead over Corzine, 43 percent to 40 percent, among a mix of registered and likely voters. The margin of error was plus or minus 4 percent.
That survey of 1,000 adults echoes findings from a Fairleigh Dickinson poll released earlier this week that found Corzine ahead of Christie 38 percent to 37 percent. Corzine had been trailing Christie all summer.
Independent Chris Daggett comes in at 14 percent, earning the backing of 15 percent of Republicans, 12 percent of Democrats and 19 percent of independents. According to the Survey USA analysis, Daggett draws off support from both sides - of those who voted for Corzine in 2005, 13 percent said they will vote for Daggett, while 14 percent of voters who backed Republican Doug Forrester in the last election have swung to the independent candidate this time.
Overall, Christie maintains a comfortable lead among independents, a pivotal voting group in New Jersey, 44 percent to 32 percent for Corzine.
A majority of voters who say property taxes are the biggest issue in the election support the Republican, not surprising given that the former U.S. attorney has been hammering that theme on the campaign trail. Majorities of those concerned most about jobs, the economy, or healthcare, however, back Corzine.
CQ Politics currently rates the race as Leans Republican.
To follow the 2009 and 2010 governors’ races, check out CQ Politics’ election map.
— Emily Cadei
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