Response by Stephen Salmore

"Given the Democratic victory last November, it is surprising that the Democratic candidates are not doing better in the public's evaluation. Their approval numbers are low-even against a field of relatively unknown Republicans. The Democrats have not solidified their hold on Trenton. And unless they do better, their tenure may be short.

"Bob Torricelli is more vulnerable than his party is willing to admit. Among his supporters, there a great deal of bravado about his toughness as a candidate and his ability to raise campaign funds. But a good campaign-one that is properly focused and reasonably well financed-could unseat the Senator. The sentiment of the public is one of skepticism. Torricelli's negatives are clear, and the public knows them. But the public hasn't yet been forced to take his negatives into account in an election."

see also:
Larson's Analysis
Thigpen's Analysis
Tabular Results
Survey Details

Comment by Fairleigh Dickinson University Research Professor of Political Science, Stephen Salmore (Ph.D., Princeton University). Steve specializes in both national and New Jersey politics and presently operates Raritan Associates, Inc. He is a co-founder of the Eagleton Poll and co-author of Parties, Elections and Campaigns and New Jersey Government and Politics.

Dr. Stephen Salmore can be reached at [redacted]