ALERT: New Poll Shows Jack Closing Gap

A new New Jersey gubernatorial poll just out shows Jack Ciattarelli literally breathing down Phil Murphy's neck. Jack has closed the gap and has turned what once was an apparent Murphy triumph into a six-point race that is now thisclose to the poll's four point margin of error. This is all quite startling and we must point out that the poll is already three days old (conducted through 10/18). So, if Jack's been gaining day-by-day these numbers could now be even closer and there's enough time to close this gap (if there really is one) and move ahead.

Here are the Emerson College/PIX 11 poll highlights: 

• Among those very likely to vote,  Jack leads Murphy 48 percent to 45 percent. This is the all important enthusiasm factor. Jack's voters appear to be more motivated.
• Among the critical independent voters, Jack romps 56 percent to 32 percent.
• Murphy's numbers have not been improving and he can't seem to break 50 percent. He has little or no wiggle room as Jack advances.
• Voters overwhelmingly identify taxes and jobs (67 percent) as the most important issues in the race. This is not good news for Murphy.
• Jack's favorables are now as good as Murphy's and Jack has become much better known to voters. In fact, only four percent of voters say they haven't heard of Jack at this point.
• Among those voters still undecided, Jack is now leading by 60 percent to 40 percent. When those voters are allocated as they now lean, this becomes a four-point race, within the margin of error!
• Murphy still holds an advantage on the COVID issue but jack  has cut that down to four points when voters are asked who could best handle that issue.
• 51 percent of voters gave Murphy a grade of only C or lower on his handling of hurricane Ida. Not good!
• Bottom line: This is CLEARLY a winnable race. Jack is within striking distance. Avanti!