The new Rasmussen poll of the New Jersey gubernatorial race finds that Republican former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie continues to lead Democratic Gov. Jon Corzine — but that the race could potentially be narrowing.
Christie has 47% to Corzine’s 36%, seemingly not changed significantly from a 50%-37% lead three weeks ago. This would at first suggest that Christie hasn’t been damaged too much by the recent scandals involving previous discussions with Karl Rove, and the undisclosed loan he gave to a subordinate in the U.S. Attorney’s office.
The pollster points out, however, that when leaners are pushed it becomes Christie with 50% to Corzine’s 42%. In the last poll, Christie had a 13-point lead both with and without leaners.
Scott Rasmussen, who is a New Jerseyan, still seems skeptical about a Republican win: “While Christie has led in every poll of the race, no Republican has won statewide office in New Jersey since 1997. Democratic candidates often close strong in the fall, and Corzine, who is seeking a second term, is expected to significantly outspend his challenger during the closing months of the campaign.”
