An internal Democratic poll shows Gov. Jon Corzine trailing Republican gubernatorial nominee Chris Christie by seven points.

The poll of 604 likely voters, conducted by Global Strategy Group, shows Christie with 42% to Gov. Corzine’s 35%.  Independent Christopher Daggett gets 6%.

“This seven point margin is as narrow a deficit as we’ve seen for Governor Corzine over the several polls we’ve conducted statewide since April,” reads the poll’s memo, which also says that the recent corruption busts have done little to change Corzine’s public standing.  

Governor Corzine favorability rating is still upside down, at 38% favorable to 55% unfavorable.  According to the polling memo, that’s a slight up-tick from a month ago.  Christie has a 47% favorable rating and 29% unfavorable, according to the poll, which is virtually the same number the organization found in June polling.  Since June, the Corzine campaign has poured several million dollars into negative ads against Christie.

The poll also surveyed voters on familiarity with lieutenant governor candidates.  Only 21% were familiar with state Sen. Loretta Weinberg (D-Teaneck), who is running with Corzine, and 8% were familiar with Monmouth County Sheriff Kim Guadagno.  

Despite the corruption busts last week, 14% of respondents cited that as their top concern, behind health care, the economy and taxes.

Global Strategy Group surveyed 604 likely voters between July 29 and 30.  The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 4%.

CLICK HERE TO READ THE SURVEY ANALYSIS

CLICK HERE TO READ THE TOPLINE POLL RESULTS