Even when read Guadagno's name, 56 percent of New Jerseyans don't recognize it
Lt. Governor Kim Guadagno speaks at the Essex County College commencement exercises in this May file photo. Only one in five New Jersey residents can name Lt. Gov. Kim GuadagnoTRENTON — Only one in five New Jersey residents can name Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno, according to a poll released this morning.
And fewer than half – 44 percent – know that the lieutenant governor steps in for the governor if he resigns or dies in office.
The Monmouth University/NJ Press Media poll of 817 New Jersey adults shows how little is known about the second highest ranking elected official in New Jersey, who also takes over for Gov. Chris Christie when he leaves the state.
But even when read Guadagno’s name, 56 percent of New Jerseyans don’t recognize it.
When the sample is narrowed to just registered voters, slightly more are familiar with Guadagno and the office she holds, but the majority still has never heard of her.
“Lieutenant Governor Guadagno can boast a two to one favorable rating. The problem is that number comes from just 13 percent of the public who feel they know enough about her to give her a rating,” said poll director Patrick Murray.
Guadagno, who Gov. Chris Christie appointed secretary of state and tasked with overhauling the state’s business regulations, is known for standing silently by Gov. Chris Christie at public events. But she has spent more time in the public eye in recent months, including holding press conferences without the governor.
The Monmouth University Polling Institute conducted the poll from Oct. 5 – 9 with a margin of error of plus or minus 3.4 percentage points for the sample of all New Jersey residents.
Related coverage:
• Lt. Gov. Kim Guadagno says her role is more than a 'stand-in' for Gov. Christie
• Kim Guadagno to become New Jersey's first lieutenant governor