Christie’s approval in NJ at three-year low

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie’s (R) approval rating remains at its lowest level since 2011, according to a new poll, a troubling sign for the possible 2016 presidential contender.

A Quinnipiac survey released Thursday found 49 percent of New Jersey voters approve of his job performance, while 47 percent disapprove. 

{mosads}The number has not improved since April, when 49 percent approved and 44 percent disapproved as a scandal surrounding the closure of toll lanes on the George Washington Bridge engulfed his administration. 

Forty-seven percent of independents approve of him, while 50 percent disapprove. 

The figure is the lowest for Christie since an August 2011 poll, where he had a 47 percent approval and 46 percent disapproval mark.

“Bridgegate has faded from the headlines, but Gov. Christie still hasn’t recovered,” said Maurice Carroll, a Quinnipiac pollster, noting that his poll numbers in 2013 stood in the high 60s. 

Christie is seen as a potential GOP candidate for president in 2016. But numbers released Wednesday found 55 percent of New Jersey voters said he would not make a good president, compared to 39 percent who said he would. 

Voters also remain divided on whether Christie is more of a “leader” or a “bully.” Forty-eight percent call him a bully, while the same amount call him a leader. That number is unchanged since April. 

Sixty-eight percent of voters say he has strong leadership qualities. However, only 46 percent describe him as honest and trustworthy, and 47 percent say he cares about the needs and problems of New Jersey voters.

The poll surveyed 1,148 New Jersey voters from July 31-August 4 and has a margin of error of plus or minus 2.9 percent.