Gov.`s Approval Rating Sinks

Gov. James E. McGreevey's approval rating plunged seven points in the past two months as voters in a poll released Wednesday called into question his integrity and handling of the economy and taxes.

The survey conducted by Quinnipiac University showed that McGreevey's approval rating fell to 38 percent between July 30 and Aug. 2. The results reversed an upward swing the governor saw in June when his approval ratings hit 45 percent.

A director of the poll said McGreevey has been hurt by scandals affecting two of his fund-raisers.

"A majority of voters say the scandal gives them serious concerns about his honesty and integrity," said Clay F. Richards, assistant director of Quinnipiac University's Polling Institute.

The first of the summertime scandals involved a fund-raiser charged with trying to extort $40,000 in donations from a farmer in exchange for help in getting a better price for his land.

Last month, real estate developer Charles Kushner, McGreevey's biggest campaign contributor, was charged with trying to thwart a federal campaign-finance investigation by luring a grand jury witness -- his own brother-in-law -- into a compromising position with a prostitute and sending a video of the liaison to the man's family.

Despite the scandals, the poll said McGreevey would still top GOP challengers for his office although former Jersey City Mayor Bret Schundler would come close. Schundler snared 37 percent of the vote to McGreevey's 40 percent.

The survey of 996 New Jersey voters had a margin of error of 3.1 percentage points.

Voters who were surveyed were evenly divided over whether McGreevey cares about their needs and problems, and only a slight majority considered him honest and trustworthy.

McGreevey's handling of the economy received a 41 percent approval rating, compared to 47 percent who disapprove; 28 percent approved and 61 percent disapproved of his handling of property taxes.

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Author: NBC10/AP