Poll was conducted by Public Policy Polling, a firm with Democratic clients
Montana Gov. Brian Schweitzer, left, talks with Gov. Chris Christie at the end of the U.S.-China Forum, held at the National Governors Association 2011 annual meeting last week in Salt Lake City.TRENTON — In the first poll conducted after the signing of the budget and overhaul of public employee benefits, approval of Gov. Chris Christie's job performance dropped into negative territory, according to a poll released today.
Of those surveyed, 53 percent disapprove of the governor's job performance and 43 percent approve, according to Public Policy Polling, a firm with Democratic clients. The last time PPP asked New Jersey residents what they thought of Christie's job as governor was in January when 48 percent approved and 45 percent disapproved.
When asked if they could cast their 2009 ballot again who they would pick, Christie and former Gov. Jon Corzine tied at 48 percent each.
The poll also pitted Christie against four hypothetical Democratic challengers in 2013 — one who beats him, two who tie and one who he defeats. None of the four have said they intend to challenge Christie.
Newark Mayor Cory Booker came out on top of the governor with 47 percent compared to Christie's 43 percent.
Congressman Frank Pallone tied with the governor at 43 percent each. Pallone remains unknown by most of the state, with 62 percent of those surveyed unable to provide an opinion of him.
Rock star Bruce Springsteen ties with Christie at 42 percent each. When asked about their opinion of the musician, 50 percent of those surveyed had a favorable view, 22 percent unfavorable and 28 percent were unsure.
The only hypothetical match that Christie won was against Senate President Stephen Sweeney. Christie received 42 percent and Sweeney 40 percent.
Sweeney, who drew the ire of public employees for helping to usher through legislation to force them to pay more for benefits, had only 13 percent favorable rating compared to 37 percent unfavorable. Of those polled, 50 percent were unsure.
The poll of 480 voters was conducted July 15-18 has a margin of error of 4.5 percentage points.
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