FDU PublicMind - September 24, 2007 Release

Background Memo

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind was conducted by telephone from September 17 through September 23 using a randomly selected statewide sample of 701 registered, likely voters. The sampling error for 701 respondents is +/- 4 percentage points at the 95 percent level of confidence. Survey results are also subject to non-sampling error. This kind of error, which cannot be measured, arises from a number of factors including, but not limited to, non-response (eligible individuals refusing to be interviewed), question wording, the order in which questions are asked, and variations among interviewers. PublicMind interviews are conducted by professionally trained interviewers use a CATI (Computer Assisted Telephone Interviewing) system. Random selection >is achieved by computerized random-digit dialing. This technique gives every person with a phone number (including those with unlisted numbers) an equal chance of being selected. Results are mathematically weighted to match known demographics.

The questions included in this release are as follows:

Question: Now, turning to New Jersey… In your opinion, do you think things in New Jersey are moving in the right direction or do you think the state has gotten off on the wrong track?

Question: Have you heard of [rotate list]? If you haven't just tell me. [If yes, ask:] Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of …? Would that be very or somewhat?

Jon Corzine
Frank Lautenberg
Bob Menendez
Carla Katz

Question: Do you approve or disapprove of the job Jon Corzine is doing as governor?

Question: If the election for state assembly and state senate were held today, would you vote for the… or… candidates in your district? [If not sure, ask “which way do you lean?”]

Question: How would you rate the job Jon Corzine is doing as governor… [READ]?

Excellent
Good
Only fair
Poor