The New Jersey Senate race remains competitive and the number of uncommitted voters remains large.

Senator Robert Menendez (D), the appointed Senator seeking election in his own right, now leads Republican State Senator Tom Kean Jr. 39% to 36%. In the January Rasmussen Reports election poll, Kean led Menendez 42% to 35% (see crosstabs).

The fact that a quarter of all voters are not committed to either candidate at this time means there are plenty of opportunities for both. However, the terrain is a bit trickier for Kean than Menendez because of the state's strong Democratic leanings.

Working against Kean is the fact that New Jersey voters tend to trust the congressional Democrats more than they trust President Bush when it comes to both Iraq and the economy.

Kean is currently viewed favorably by 53% of all Garden State voters, Menendez by 47%.

Menendez has gained ground among fellow Democrats. He now earns 69% support, a 10-point improvement over last month's survey.

The contest now looks more like it did in early December. At that time, Menendez led Kean 38% to 34%. But, back then, almost half of voters had no opinion of either candidate. Now only 21% are "not sure" what to think of either candidate.

Governor Corzine earns the job approval of 60% of voters, and is viewed favorably by 65%. The job that President Bush is doing is approved by just 41% of New Jersey voters.

Richard Codey, who served as governor after Governor McGreevey stepped down and until Corzine took over, is viewed favorably by 66% of likely voters. Codey is regarded as a possible candidate for other high office, despite having decided against making a run for governor in his own right.

When asked to rank the most important issues among Iraq, the economy, health care, and alternative energy as issues, 36%, say Iraq is the most important issue; 28% say the economy; 21% say health care; 10% say energy.

When asked to compare only Iraq and the economy, 47% say Iraq is the most important, 47% say the economy.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members