|
Republican Analysis: These poll numbers clearly show that Don DiFrancesco's candidacy for Governor was in serious trouble. In the last few months, Don DiFrancesco's name recognition has increased to a respectable number, but in the wrong way. Although almost nine in ten likely voters know his name, unfavorable opinion exceeds favorable opinion by 34 percent to 28 percent. Bob Franks enters the race in much better shape. A similar nine in ten recognize his name and favorable ratings outnumber unfavorable ones by better than four to one. With barely time to start campaigning, Franks numbers are already better than Bret Shundler's ratings after months of campaigning. Schundler is recognized by just six in ten voters and, although his unfavorable ratings are as low as Franks, his favorable ratings total less than half of Franks. Franks also does better than Schundler when matched up against McGreevey. In the election for Governor, Franks is in a virtual dead heat with the Woodbridge Mayor. At the same time Schundler trails McGreevey by 17%. These head to head numbers also show that both McGreevey and Franks already have solidified their base vote - about two-thirds of registered Democrats or Republicans support them. Among unaffiliated voters, who will ultimately decide this election, Franks has a statistically insignificant three point lead. Franks opening statement that focused on such populist issues as term limits, initiative and referendum, and campaign finance reform, seems tailored to appeal to independent swing voters, especially those who voted for Perot, or supported Sen. John McCain's Presidential bid. see also: |
Republican analysis 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 a co-founder of the Eagleton Poll and co-author of Parties, Elections and Campaigns and New Jersey Government and Politics.
|
|||||||||||||||
| Copyright © 2001, Fairleigh Dickinson University. All rights reserved. FDU PublicMind Poll | |||||||||||||||||
