In case you were cynical about that Fox News poll I posted about the Alabama U.S. Senate race (and i totally understand why), here’s the Fox News poll on the New Jersey Governor’s Race:
In the contest for New Jersey governor, Republican Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno trails Democrat Phil Murphy by double digits. That’s according to a new Fox News Poll of likely voters in New Jersey, the first this season.
The poll also finds a large majority wants Sen. Bob Menendez to resign immediately if he’s convicted of corruption charges. More on that later.
If the election for governor were held today, 47 percent of NJ likely voters would opt for Murphy while 33 percent would pick Guadagno. Still, 2-in-10 voters are either undecided or would vote for someone else (19 percent).
“New Jersey is a deep-blue state, and Murphy’s lead there reflects that,” says Republican pollster Daron Shaw, who conducts the Fox News Poll along with Democratic pollster Chris Anderson. “But the defining characteristic of this race so far is the lack of engagement on the part of voters. The fact that one-in-five haven’t decided shows us that people haven’t tuned in yet.”
Equal numbers of Republicans are supporting Guadagno (77 percent) as Democrats are supporting Murphy (78 percent). Independents prefer Murphy by a 19-point margin (41-22 percent), but 37 percent are unsure or would pick somebody else.
Sixty-seven percent of likely voters are “extremely” or “very” interested in the governor’s race. It hurts Guadagno that slightly more Democrats (70 percent) than Republicans (64 percent) are interested.
Overall, Murphy leads “extremely” or “very” interested voters by 19 points (52-33 percent).
The two gubernatorial candidates are viewed favorably by likely voters in the Garden State: Murphy nets positive by 27 points (53 percent favorable vs. 26 percent unfavorable) and Guadagno by 9 (43-34 percent).
Guadagno, however, may be getting hurt by two other Republicans’ dismal ratings. Gov. Chris Christie’s numbers are deep underwater, by a 56-point margin (21 percent favorable vs. 77 percent unfavorable), while President Donald Trump receives a net negative 24 favorability rating (37-61 percent). The embattled Menendez in the midst of a corruption trial is viewed more favorably than Trump, though just slightly with a net negative 20 rating (28 percent favorable vs. 48 percent unfavorable).
Pretty consistent with other polls out there on this race. By the way, Murphy’s campaign is looking to sign up people to help get out the vote. Here’s the e-mail I received from his campaign today:
Now is the time! My name is Mike Beson and like you I have committed myself to get our Democratic candidates, from Governor and Lt. Governor to candidates for the legislature to candidates for local office, elected in November.
As a lifelong Democratic activist, I have never been so concerned about the future of our state. As a father of two immigrant children, I have never been so worried about their futures.
It's time to stand up and get walking and dialing for the Democratic Ticket that will be fix the damage caused by Chris Christie and Kim Guadagno. Please take a shift, knock a door for change!
There's no better way to resist the intolerance we see around us than by helping to Get Out The Vote.
This week we have two different requests of you.
First - Can you help us make calls to Get Out The Vote (GOTV) on either November 4th , 5th, 6th or Election Day, November 7th? Click here to let us know which day(s) you're available.
Second, can you join with Democrats from across the state for a Victory 2017 Phone Bank or Canvass as we make calls and knock on doors to ask voters to support our Democratic candidates in November?
Be part of building a stronger, fairer New Jersey for all of us!
Click here and sign up to help with GOTV to make sure that people vote!
Or, just click here and enter your zip code and you'll be directed to the ongoing campaign activities closest to you.
We'll look forward to seeing you and, as always, thank you for all you do.
Best Regards,
Mike Beson
Click here to sign up to help GOTV.
Click here to find a campaign event near you.