Life is not getting easier for New Jersey governor Jon Corzine:
In a general election trial heat against Republicans, Corzine continues to trail former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie by nine points, 33%-42%. Just 58% of Democrats line up behind Corzine while 78% of Republicans prefer Christie. Christie’s name recognition continues to climb, to 62% from 57% a month ago; and 31% have a favorable opinion of the former U.S. Attorney for New Jersey while 12% have an unfavorable view.
Corzine runs even with former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan 37%-36%. Lonegan’s name recognition rose to 41% from 33% in the past month. Meanwhile, Christie leads Lonegan among Republican voters by two-to-one, 43%-21%, with 32% unsure. Assemblyman Rick Merkt and Franklin Township Mayor Brian Levine each get 2%.
In January, this poll had Corzine up by 7 percentage points.