Response by Stephen Salmore

How big a factor will Gov. McGreevey's unpopularity be in the Legislative elections this November? The Republicans believe they can win control of the legislature if they make this year's election a referendum on the Governor. For this strategy to work, the Republicans are counting on voters connecting their local Democratic candidates to McGreevey.  There are indications, however, that voters are not making this connection.  When asked about their choice in the legislative races, voters are choosing the Democratic candidates by 42% to 30%, an unusually high margin.  Just as many Democratic candidates are ignoring the Governor, so also are many voters. Republican hopes for gains in the legislature depend on how well they can depict McGreevey and Democratic candidates as peas in a pod.

see also:
Survey Analysis
Thigpen's Analysis
Tabular Results
Survey Details

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.