FDU PublicMind - April 6, 2006 Release

Kean Rallies Republicans

Tom Kean, Jr. leads Bob Menendez by four percentage points, 42%-38%, “if the election for US Senate were held right now” according to the most recent results of Fairleigh Dickinson University's PublicMind Poll. A month ago, Menendez led Kean by five points.

Kean's name recognition crept up 10 points over the last month to 72% from 62% in early March. Almost half (47%) of those who say they recognize him have not formed an opinion, but among those who have an impression, favorable views outstrip unfavorable by a ratio of 3-to-1 (39%-13%).

Meanwhile, Bob Menendez' numbers did not change significantly in the past month. His name recognition stands at 63% and his ratio of favorable to unfavorable opinion is 2-to-1 with another 42% who recognize him, but withhold any opinion, favorable or unfavorable.

“Until the campaign gets into full swing, the public's preferences for these candidates can be driven by news events,” said Peter Woolley, director of the poll. “Last month Sen. Menendez got wide and positive exposure for his opposition to Dubai Ports World taking over the facility in Newark,” said Woolley. “This month, Tom Kean has had the opportunity to respond to the governor's unpopular budget proposals affecting taxes and spending.”

Four of five Republicans (82%) say they would vote for Tom Kean, Jr., the Republican, up from 77% last month. Meanwhile 70% of self-reported Democrats say they would vote for Menendez, off six percentage points from last month. “Bob Menendez still has some work to do reinforcing his name brand within his party,” said Woolley. “Tom Kean has an advantage in name recognition among Republicans in particular and is an obvious rallying point for any discontent.”

The PublicMind poll of 685 randomly selected registered voters statewide was conducted by telephone from March 27 through April 2 and has a margin of error of +/- 4 percentage points.

Contacts:

Peter Woolley 973.670.3239
or
Krista Jenkins 973.443.8390

Radio actuality line: (201) 692-2846.

For more information, please call (201) 692-7032.