New Jersey: Voters give Christie a split decision; Sandy recovery is governor’s only bright spot

August 7, 2014 – New Jersey Voters Give Christie A Split Decision, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Sandy Recovery Is Governor’s Only Bright Spot PDF format

New Jersey voters are divided in their opinions about Gov. Christopher Christie as 49 percent approve of the job he is doing, while 47 percent disapprove, according to a Quinnipiac University Poll released today.

Voters are divided 48 – 48 percent on whether Gov. Christie is more of a leader or more of a bully.

This is the governor’s lowest net job approval rating since a 47 – 46 percent score in an August 17, 2011, survey by the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University. The split bully-meter rating is unchanged from the results of an April 9 survey. There are party and gender gaps in Christie’s rating: Men approve of Christie 54 – 42 percent, as women disapprove 50 – 44 percent. Democrats disapprove 71 – 23 percent, while Republicans approve 86 – 12 percent. Independent voters are divided, with 47 percent approving and 50 percent disapproving. Christie’s favorability rating also is divided 47 – 47 percent. Looking at the governor’s personal characteristics, New Jersey voters say:

• 46 – 49 percent that he is honest and trustworthy;
• 47 – 49 percent that he cares about their needs and problems;
• 68 – 30 percent that he has strong leadership qualities.

“People used to talk about Gov. Christopher Christie’s appeal to independent voters, but many of those voters now have second thoughts,” said Maurice Carroll, assistant director of the Quinnipiac University Poll. “Bridgegate has faded from the headlines, but Gov. Christie still hasn’t recovered. His near-70 percent job approval rating in July 2013 dropped to 49 percent in April and is still there.” “The ‘Jersey Guy’ image that Gov. Christie has cultivated had earned him national attention as a tough guy,” Carroll added. “But now his neighbors are divided on whether he cares about them. “And being drubbed in the news media for months about Bridgegate has eroded people’s confidence in the Gov’s honesty.” A total of 50 percent of New Jersey voters are very satisfied or somewhat satisfied with the way things are going in the state today, with 50 percent somewhat dissatisfied or very dissatisfied. The Garden State economy is excellent or good, 34 percent of voters say, while 65 percent say it’s not so …read more

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