U.S. Sen. Robert Menendez holds a wide lead over State Sen. Joe Kyrillos among NJ voters.
A new Rutgers-Eagleton Poll released on Tuesday shows Menendez, a Democrat, out in front by a 44 percent to 22 percent margin. Another 30 percent say they are either not sure yet, or don’t intend to vote.
Despite serving in the Trenton in both the state house and senate since 1988, Kyrillos, a Republican, is virtually unknown by voters. He represents the 13th District in Monmouth County. Eighty percent say they either have no opinion or unsure about Kyrillos.
Menendez is finishing his first term in the U.S. Senate after serving in the U.S. House, both the state Senate and General Assembly and as Union City mayor. Voters has a positive feeling about Menendez, 37 percent to 24 percent. But nearly 40 percent have no opinion about the incumbent.
“Menendez’s favorability numbers crept up slightly early last year, but for an incumbent, he has a very low profile,” said poll Director David Redlawsk, a professor of political science at Rutgers University. “Kyrillos, however, is completely unknown at this point, a huge advantage for Menendez. We certainly expect that the numbers will tighten as the campaign develops, but Menendez starts off in a good position.”
The poll of 914 registered voters statewide, was conducted from Feb. 9-11. The sample has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.3 percent.
The 2012 NJ primary is set for June 5. Candidates have until April 2 to file nominating petitions. Voters must register to vote in the NJ primary by May 15.
