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TRENTON, N.J. – Democratic Sen. Jon Corzine (search) appears to lead Republican businessman Doug Forrester in the New Jersey governor’s race, a poll released Wednesday found.
Corzine was supported by 50 percent to 43 percent for Forrester in the Quinnipiac University poll of 702 likely voters Oct. 11-17. Seven percent were undecided. Sampling error was plus or minus 4 percentage points.
A Quinnipiac poll released Sept. 28 found 48 percent favoring Corzine and 44 percent supporting Forrester.
The new survey found a possible shift toward Corzine among independent voters. Last month 45 percent of independents favored Forrester and 43 percent backed Corzine; in the new poll independents backed Corzine 50 percent to 38 percent.
Both candidates have unleashed negative ads recently, and poll officials said they appeared to be taking a greater toll on the Republican.
The Nov. 8 race is between two multimillionaires who have spent considerable sums on their campaigns. Corzine, 58, was CEO of the Wall Street firm Goldman Sachs, and Forrester, 52, is co-owner of BeneCard Services Inc., a prescription benefits company.
Acting Gov. Richard J. Codey, who took office last year after James E. McGreevey resigned over a gay affair, decided not to seek a full term. Corzine decided to run for governor rather than seek a second Senate term.
Virginia is the only other state choosing a governor this year.