Obama, Menendez Lead in Statewide Stockton Poll

Voters statewide generally prefer President Barack Obama over Republican challenger Mitt Romney, according to a second set of statewide poll results released by the Richard Stockton College of New Jersey on Friday afternoon, Oct. 19.

According to the poll conducted by the Stockton Polling Institute of 811 likely voters from Oct. 12-18, 53 percent of voters prefer Obama, while 38 percent prefer Romney.

U.S. Senator Robert Menendez holds a lead over Republican challenger and New Jersey Senator Joseph Kyrillos, with 52 percent of those surveyed favoring Menendez and 30 percent favoring Kyrillos.

On Thursday, the Stockton Polling Institute released results of a statewide poll that showed the same voters surveyed were in favor of two initiatives on this November’s ballot.

Despite his lead over Romney, only 45 percent of those surveyed rate Obama’s job performance as excellent or good, and 54 percent rate his performance as fair or poor, the college said. The job performance rating of Congress among those surveyed was down at 10 percent excellent or good, while 88 percent rated it as fair or poor.

“New Jersey voters currently support President Obama for re-election while still dissatisfied with his job performance,” William J. Hughes Center for Public Policy Director Daniel J. Douglas said. “Apparently, Governor Romney has not yet made the case he is a viable alternative to President Obama.”

Menendez is viewed favorably by 54 percent of those surveyed, while 26 percent view him unfavorably. Kyrillos is viewed favorably by 34 percent, and unfavorably by 25 percent.

Menendez is recognized by 80 percent of those surveyed, while Kyrillos is only recognized by 59 percent of those surveyed.

“Overall, Democratic incumbent Menendez benefits from having greater name recognition than his Republican challenger Kyrillos,” Douglas said.

Half of those surveyed rated Gov. Chris Christie’s job performance as excellent or good, with 48 percent rating it as fair or poor and 2 percent not sure, don’t know or refused to answer. His favorability rating was up at 52 percent favorable, 42 unfavorable and 5 percent not sure, don’t know or refused to answer.

The poll was conducted via both cell phone and landline, and has a margin of error of +/- 4 percent, the college said. Those conducting the polls called from the Stockton College campus, the college said. All households on the source calling list have the same opportunity of being called because of the random digital dialing system (RDD).