Christie’s Approval Rating Slips in New Jersey

New Jersey Republican Gov. Chris Christie represents live evidence that taking courageous stands in favor of fiscal austerity won’t necessarily endear you to voters. A new Quinnipiac University poll shows that his approval rating among New Jersey voters has slipped to 46 percent from 51 percent in early November, The Hill reports. The portion of voters who disapprove of Christie has gained to 44 percent from 38 percent.

Among Republicans, 74 percent approve of Christie, while 48 percent of independent voters do so. Meanwhile, 41 percent of independents disapprove of Christie, as do 65 percent of Democrats.

"Overall, New Jersey Gov. Christopher Christie still gets a split decision. Democrats don't like him at all; Republicans like him a lot. His 'Jersey-guy' in-your-face governing style? An even split," says Quinnipiac University Polling Institute Director Maurice Carroll.