April 29, 2016
New Jersey’s governor is at a new low in the Rutgers-Eagleton poll of registered voters.
Just 26 percent of respondents had a favorable view of Gov. Chris Christie, down three points since February, according to Ashley Koning, assistant director of the Eagleton Center for Public Interest Polling.
His downward slide is across the board, having dropped by seven points since February among Republicans, dipping to a favorability rating of just 34 percent.
Overall, 26 percent of New Jersey registered voters approve of Christie’s position on taxes; 18 percent on the state pension situation; 26 on the state budget; and 31 percent on jobs and the economy.
Negative perceptions about the governor’s personality and character are driving down his favorable perception, according to Konig.
His support of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump has not been a big factor in his growing negative perception, the poll showed.
Also, 60 percent of those polled say New Jersey is going in the wrong direction.
Brigid Harrison, a professor of political science and law at Montclair State University said the poll shows voters are disapproving of the governor's performance and "failure to address the most pressing policy concern of New Jerseyans."
She added that national party leaders now see the repercussions of his national political ambitions as "an albatross," rather than a chance to move a blue state into the Republican lineup.
