Poll: Two-thirds of Jersey voters unlikely to support Geraldo

Nearly two-thirds of New Jersey voters said it was unlikely they would vote for television host Geraldo Rivera in a new poll from Monmouth University, casting doubt on the viability of the Fox News commentator's bid for the U.S. Senate.

In the survey, more than half of all voters — 51 percent — said it was "not at all likely" they would back Rivera at the polls. Another 14 percent said it was "not too likely" they would tally a vote for the longtime media personality.

Still, over a quarter of Jersey residents —26 percent — said it was either "very" or "somewhat" likely they would cast their ballot for Rivera. And asked their opinion of Rivera, voters are split, with 26 percent reporting a favorable view and 27 percent reporting an unfavorable view.

Late last month Rivera told his radio audience he was "truly contemplating" a run in 2014.

“I mention this only briefly, fasten your seat belt,” Rivera said. “I mentioned this only briefly to my wife ... but I am and I’ve been in touch with some people in the Republican Party in New Jersey. I am truly contemplating running for Senate against Frank Lautenberg or Cory Booker.”

“I’m not going to drill this out, because obviously I’ve got commitments to Fox and to here at the radio program and I’m really having a great time,” Rivera continued. “But I figure at my age, if I’m going to do it I’ve got to do it. And there doesn’t seem to be any Republicans ready to work against or run against Cory Booker, the popular Newark mayor.”

Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.), who is 89, has not said yet whether he will seek another term, but Newark Mayor Cory Booker has indicated that he plans to seek the Democratic nomination. The Monmouth poll found that in a hypothetical Democratic primary, 40 percent would choose Booker and 25 percent would back Lautenberg.

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