Washington, DC — Despite the fact recent polling data released by DCspectator on the Jersey Governor’s race two weeks ago is getting a little long in the tooth (428 definite/very likely registered voters; +/- 4.7%; conducted 7/18-26 for DCspectator.com by Neighborhood Research, Franklin, NJ), the open-ended data provides some additional relevant insight into how voters view the candidates.
Corzine led Forrester 44%-39% in the overall sample.
In general, voters who like Democratic gubernatorial candidate Jon Corzine describe him as a smart and honest businessman who has done a lot for New Jersey as a U.S. Senator, while those who like his opponent, Republican Doug Forrester, see him as a decent, honest conservative who wants to cut taxes.
When the 27 percent of respondents who said they were favorable to Corzine were asked what they most liked about him, 10 percent mentioned his business background, 9 percent said he does a lot for New Jersey, 9 percent describe him as honest, 9 percent say they like his voting record, and 8 percent say he is intelligent. Five percent said that he helps people, 4 percent mention that he is a Democrat, 4 percent say he is doing a good job. Three percent mentioned his views on property taxes, saw him as reasonable, or liked his leadership.
Twenty percent of all respondents had a favorable impression of Doug Forrester. Among these voters, 18 percent liked his position on property taxes, 17 percent said he is honest, 13 percent liked his overall views on issues, 8 percent saw him as conservative, 8 percent mentioned that he is a Republican, 7 percent liked him personally, 4 percent said he is better than Corzine, 4 percent said that he seemed good.
Corzine was viewed unfavorably by 24 percent of voters. 26 percent of this group said he was too liberal, 24 percent mentioned his personal wealth – particularly with reference to campaign spending, 10 percent dislike him personally, 10 percent said he was a Democrat, 7 percent called him corrupt, 3 percent said he was unqualified, 3 percent said he comes across poorly.
Forrester was viewed unfavorably by 18 percent of voters. 24 percent of this group said he was too conservative, 23 percent said he was dishonest or a liar – with particular reference to his tax plan, 10 percent mention his Republican affiliation, 8 percent said he was an empty suit or unintelligent, 6 percent called him phony, 6 percent mentioned his wealth, 6 percent accused him of negative campaigning, 3 percent said he had no experience, 3 percent say they just don’t like him.
Generating name identification in New Jersey is always a challenge sitting between the NYC and Philly media markets, and it’s striking how little voters know about the incumbent and the challenger. The solution: fill in the other guys’ profile with comparative advertising — a traditional Garden State blood sport.