This morning, Quinnipiac brings good news to both New Jersey governor Chris Christie and President Obama:
New Jersey voters approve 52 – 40 percent of the job Gov. Christopher Christie is doing and say 54 – 35 percent that his first year in office is a success, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. This compares to a split 46 – 44 percent job approval in a December 21 survey by the independent Quinnipiac University.
In today’s survey, Republicans approve of Gov. Christie 82 – 11 percent and say 85 – 10 that his first year is a success. Independent voters also approve 55 – 36 percent and give him a 59 – 30 percent thumbs up for his first year. Democrats disapprove 66 – 27 percent and say 59 – 27 percent the governor’s first year has been a failure.
There’s fairly good news for the state’s Democrats, as well:
President Barack Obama’s job approval rating is growing in the Garden State and now stands at 55 – 41 percent, up from 50 – 45 percent in a December 21 Quinnipiac University poll and a negative 50 – 46 percent November 9.
Democrats approve 90 – 8 percent and independent voters give him a narrow 49 – 45 percent thumbs up, but disapproval is 83 – 15 percent among Republicans. There is a gender split as men approve 50 – 46 percent while women approve 59 – 37 percent. White voters disapprove 50 – 45 percent while black voters approve 91 – 7 percent.
“A bit of an up-tick for Obama. Black voters approve enthusiastically and he gets a slight negative among white voters,” Carroll said. “New Jersey women like the president a lot more than men.”
New Jersey voters are feeling better about their two U.S. Senators, as well:
• Sen. Frank Lautenberg gets a 45 – 40 percent score, up from a 42 – 43 percent split December 21;
• Sen. Robert Menendez gets a 44 – 36 percent score, his highest approval ever and up from a negative 38 – 42 percent December 21.
Senator Menendez . . . what have you been doing to have 44 percent your highest approval rating ever?