The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of New Jersey voters found Democrat Frank Lautenberg holding double-digit leads over two Republican opponents in the race for the United States Senate. Lautenberg leads Joe Pennacchio 54% to 36% and Murray Sabrin 54% to 35%.

Republican Anne Evans Estabrook, who has performed the strongest against the Democratic incumbent in past polls, has since withdrawn from the race due to health reasons.

Lautenberg’s lead over Pennacchio has more than doubled since February, when he lead by eight points. Lautenberg’s lead over Sabrin also increased four points over the past month.

Among women, Lautenberg leads Pennacchio 59% to 29% and Sabrin 57% to 32%. Lautenberg holds a seven-point lead over Pennacchio and a twelve-point lead over Sabrin among male voters. The democrat leads both candidates by nearly thirty points among unaffiliated voters in the Garden State.

Lautenberg is viewed favorably by 53% of New Jersey voters and unfavorably by 38%. Pennacchio’s numbers are 32% favorable, 37% unfavorable, and 32% not sure. Sabrin earns a favorable rating from 33%, an unfavorably rating by 36%, and 32% are unsure.

When it comes to the upcoming general election in November, nearly half (47%) of New Jersey voters see the economy as the top electoral issue. Just 12% rate the economy good or excellent, while nearly half (49%) give it a poor rating. Seventy-two percent (72%) of voters in the Garden State say the economy will get worse; only 7% say it will improve.

The War in Iraq is the most important issue for 22% of New Jersey voters. Nearly half (46%) of voters say the U.S. and its allies are winning the War on Terror, while 24% say the terrorists are winning and 24% say neither is winning. More voters in New Jersey think the situation in Iraq will worsen (39%) than improve (32%) in the next six months.

In the Presidential election, John McCain is in toss-ups with both potential democratic candidates in New Jersey.

Rasmussen Markets data now shows the Democrats are favored to win the New Jersey senate race (current prices: Democrat Republican ) Numbers in this paragraph are from a prediction market, not a poll. Using a trading format where traders "buy and sell" candidates, issues, and news features, the Rasmussen Markets harness competitive passions to provide a reliable leading indicator of upcoming events. We invite you to participate in the Rasmussen Markets. It costs nothing to join and add your voice to the collective wisdom of the market.

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