Christie coattails not very long, political analysts say
Despite a commanding lead in the polls, Gov. Chris Christie's coattails seemingly have little impact on other races. (Phil Gregory/WHYY)
A new Quinnipiac University poll shows that N.J. Gov. Chris Christie’s popularity might not influence the outcome of November’s legislative races.
Even though Christie maintains a commanding 32-point lead over Democratic challenger Barbara Buono, he does not have a coattails effect that would alter the Democrats’ control of the Legislature, said poll director Maurice Carroll.
“People tend to not like the Legislature. They think it’s bunch of Humpty Dumpties, but they do like their legislator,” Carroll said. “Christie is such a popular guy that, after Labor Day when everybody gets back from the seashore, it’s conceivable that he could turn things around.”
Right now, two-thirds of voters say Christie’s endorsement of a legislative candidate would not influence their vote.
The majority of those questioned say they want the Legislature to remain in the Democrats’ control if Christie wins re-election. All the seats in the Assembly and Senate are up for a vote in November.
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