Poll: Booker favored over incumbent Lautenberg in possible Senate primary

Newark, N.J., Mayor Cory Booker leads Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-N.J.) by a wide margin in a new poll that indicates the incumbent could have a tough time regaining the nomination for his seat.

Forty-two percent of self-identified Democrats and Democratic leaners support Booker, to 20 percent who would prefer Lautenberg as their nominee, according to the Farleigh Dickinson University Public Mind Poll. He leads with nearly every demographic group tested, including voters of both genders, young and old, and of all races.

And though more New Jersey voters know who Lautenberg is, Booker is seen more favorably by those who know of him. Sixty-five percent of registered voters who know of the mayor view him favorably, while only 45 percent of those who know of the incumbent senator say the same.

Lautenberg's office did not respond to a request for comment.

This poll, however, might be added reason for the senator to decide on his future plans for office. The 88-year-old is considered a top retirement risk for Democrats.

He has not given any indication if he will seek reelection in 2014, however, and Booker's early indication that he would be willing to mount a primary challenge against Lautenberg was met with private frustration from some New Jersey Democrats.

Booker has ruffled the feathers of Democrats in the state in deciding to run for Senate rather than in the gubernatorial race; his decision not to challenge Gov. Chris Christie (R) was seen by some as personal promotion at the expense of party success. The race against Christie is likely to be a much tougher one for a Democrat to win than a Senate seat, long held by a Democrat, that may be open.

The survey, conducted among 700 voters statewide from Jan. 2-6, has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.7 percentage points.

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