For the second straight Rasmussen Reports election poll, Democratic Senator Robert Menendez leads his challenger, New Jersey State Senator Tom Kean, Jr. Menendez is the candidate of choice for 44% of the 500 voters surveyed; 38% choose Kean (see crosstabs).

A month ago, Menendez also held a six point lead, 46% to 40%.

When offered a list of six choices, 28% of New Jersey voters name the economy as the top voting issue for this fall. While that’s typical of most states, the second choice was not. Corruption is the top issue for 18% of Garden State voters. The war in Iraq (18%) and national security (14%) are close behind.

Nationally, corruption has emerged as a Democratic issue for 2006. Those who name it as the top issue typically prefer the Democratic candidate by a wide margin. In New Jersey, that advantage in muted. Menendez gets 44% of the vote from those who see corruption as most important. Kean picks up 28% of the votes from this group while another 28% are not committed to either candidate at this time.

Fifty-four percent (54%) of the state’s voters believe the political system is badly broken. Still, 68% are at least somewhat confident that votes are properly counted and the right winners declared on election night.

It’s always a concern for an incumbent to be below 50% at this point in a campaign. Adding to the concern for Menendez is that appointed incumbents don’t fare nearly as well as elected incumbents. However, the Senator can take some comfort from the state’s strong Democratic leanings.

Kean and Menendez are each viewed “very” favorably by just 14% of all voters. Kean is viewed “very” unfavorably by 11%, Menendez by 14%.

President Bush earns very low marks in the Garden State—just 21% Strongly Approve of his performance while 45% Strongly Disapprove. Governor Corzine earns Strong Approval from 20% and Strong Disapproval from 25%.

Just 30% of New Jersey voters say the Bible is literally true. That’s the lowest level we’ve found in any state. Forty-two percent (42%) favor allowing same-sex marriage while 54% believe marriage is a union between a man and a woman.

Crosstabs are available for Premium Members only.