The good news for Chris Christie, GOP candidate for governor in New Jersey: A new poll by Gannett finds that “among likely voters, Christie now holds an 8 point advantage over Corzine – 47 percent to 39 percent – with 5 percent for independent Chris Daggett. While this is similar to the Republican’s lead in July, it is down from the 14 point advantage he held in August, when Christie led Corzine by 50 percent to 36 percent.”

The mildly ominous news for Christie: Among all registered voters, he only holds a one point lead. Now, turnout in an off-off year election probably will be much closer to the likely voter model than the registered voter model. But there’s no reason for complacency among New Jersey Republicans.

Having said that, the fact remains that Corzine has yet to break 42 percent in any poll taken this year.