Poll: N.J. voters disagree with Christie on social issues, but they’re still in his corner

Democratic gubernatorial candidate Barbara Buono claims Gov. Chris Christie’s views on social issues are out of step with New Jersey voters.

A new poll suggests that might not matter much on Election Day.

Nearly six out of 10 of voters surveyed by the Monmouth University Polling Institute favor legalizing gay marriage; Christie opposes it. Many voters also differ with Christie’s views on abortion.

But poll director Patrick Murray says those aren’t the key issues for most voters.

“We found in our past polling that people say this is really not on the radar screen, that they’re looking at those economic issues,” he said. “That’s what is important to them then they vote for governor, that whatever Gov. Christie’s own personal views are on these social issues like abortion and gay marriage, it doesn’t impact his role as governor.”

The property tax issue

Murray says 59 percent of voters surveyed say Christie deserves a second term. But voters are divided on whether Christie shares their views on property taxes.

“I think there’s an indication in the Christie campaign that they understand that if there’s any Achilles heel in his re-election effort, it’s going to be property taxes.” Murray said. “So I think they want to get out ahead of the game and say this is one area that we want to shore up.”

For Buono, a state senator from Middlesex, to cut into that lead, Murray says she’ll need to focus on the issues of jobs and property taxes.