Christie’s Poll Lead Over Buono Grows

Governor Chris Christie's lead over challenge Barbara Buono (D) just got bigger.

The Stockton Polling Institute survey gives the Governor a 40 per cent lead over Buono among those who intend to vote in November with 64% to Buono's 24% and 10% for another candidate or simply not voting.

Christie's work with President Obama during the Sandy recovery has helped to boost his numbers according to Daniel J. Douglas, Director of the William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy.

When asked, “Would Governor Christie's close working relationship with
President Obama on the storm recovery make you more likely or less likely to vote for
the governor, or would it make no difference?” 26 percent said they were more likely to
vote for Christie, 3 percent were less likely and 71 percent said it made no difference or
were unsure. 94% also praised Christie's handling of the storm recovery.

Christie's bi-partisanship with Democrats, for which he has been criticized by members of his own party, has not hurt him with New Jersey voters. 30% of Democrats and 27% of independents likely to vote say they will vote for the incumbent. Only 3% of Republicans polled say they will not vote for Christie.

Buono, according to the poll, continues to have low name recognition. More than half of those surveyed had no opinion of Buono. Of those who are familiar with her, 24% had an unfavorable opinion. Three-quarters of had a favorable view of Christie.

The poll was conducted June 8-13 of 741 likely voters with a margin of error of +/- 3.6 per cent.