Response by Stephen Salmore

The latest results from FDU's Public Mind Poll confirm the conventional wisdom among Republican activists that Bret Schundler is the front runner for the GOP gubernatorial; nomination this year.  Although Forrester's name recognition and favorable numbers are similar to Schundler's, Forrester's supporters do not show the same intensity as Schundler's more conservative followers.  If a Forrester- Schundler primary shapes up as a moderate versus conservative race, past experience shows that the conservative wing of the party is more easily and effectively mobilized than more moderate Republican voters. 

Comment by Fairleigh Dickinson University Research Professor of Political Science, Stephen Salmore (Ph.D., Princeton University). Steve specializes in both national and New Jersey politics and presently operates Raritan Associates, Inc. He is co-author of Parties, Elections and Campaigns and New Jersey Government and Politics. Dr. Stephen Salmore can be reached at 973-292-3633.