FDU PublicMind - November 3, 2006 Release

Background Memo

The most recent survey by Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind was conducted by telephone from October 25 through October 31 using a randomly selected statewide sample of 577 likely voters. The sampling error for 577 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 TMR, Inc. of Parsippany, NJ. 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. Registered voters are screened through a series of questions. 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

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

Excellent
Good
Only fair
Poor

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

Question: Recently, New Jersey raised its sales tax from 6 per cent to 7 per cent. So far, how much of a difference has this made to you personally…?

Question: Do you agree or disagree with the New Jersey Supreme Court's recent decision to award same sex couples the same rights as married men and women? Would that be very or somewhat?