FDU: Christie maintains nine point lead over Corzine while Lonegan runs even

Former U.S. Attorney Chris Christie maintains his lead against Gov. Corzine in an FDU PublicMind poll released this morning.

Christie leads Corzine in a head-to-head general election match up by nine points, 42% to 33% -- almost the exact same margin of an FDU poll released a month ago.

"Sometimes timing is everything," said FDU pollster and political scietist Peter Woolley. "He's the only incumbent governor up for reelection this year as the financial crisis hits."  

The Governor’s approval rating is at 40%, while 49% of respondents disapproving, while his favorability rating is even lower.  Thirty-three percent have a favorable opinion and 56% have an unfavorable opinion.  Christie’s name recognition now stands at 62% -- 5% more than a month ago – and he is viewed favorably by 31% and unfavorably by 12%.  

Former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, who’s was recognized by 41% of respondents, is also running for the Republican nomination to take on Corzine, and runs about even with the incumbent, 37% to 36%.  

Republican respondents preferred Christie over Lonegan in the primary by 22 points – 43% to 21% -- while 32% are unsure.  Two other Republican candidates, Franklin Township Mayor Brian Levine and Assemblyman Rick Merkt (R-Mendham) each get 2%.  

Corzine’s support among Democrats is soft.  Just 58% back him, while Christie is supported by 78% of Republicans.  But Corzine still leads other high profile Democrats in imaginary primaries, albeit by smaller margins than a month ago.  Senate President Dick Codey (D-Essex) gets about 37% to Corzine’s 45%, while Newark Mayor Cory Booker clocks in at 33% to Corzine’s 48%.  

The poll also found most voters have a mixed reaction to Corzine’s budget proposals, with most against cutting state aid to municipalities, but supportive of furloughing state workers for 12 days.  Voters also support limiting property tax rebates to those who make under $75,000 and seniors by a margin of 62% to 33%.  

FDU surveyed 809 registered voters between March 30 and April 5.  The poll has a margin of error of +/- 3.5%.