Poll Shows N.J. Residents Becoming Disenchanted With Christie's Diversions From Governor Role
By David Madden
TRENTON, N.J. (CBS) -- A newly released poll indicates most New Jersey residents are less than thrilled with governor Chris Christie's repeated travel out-of-state in pursuit of an increasingly certain run for president in 2016.
Returning from a three-day trade trip to London that'll be remembered more for his political gaffe over measles vaccination, Christie's overall travel is starting to catch up with how he is perceived by the people he now governs.
"Most of them -- we're talking two thirds here -- say that he's much more concerned about his own political ambitions, and governing New Jersey is an afterthought," says Monmouth University pollster Patrick Murray.
In the poll, New Jersey residents seem split over his job performance. Forty-seven percent think that the travel has had no effect on how Christie performs as governor, while 40 percent say he is less focused. Nine percent believe he is actually doing a better job in Trenton.
