Maurice Carroll, Director Quinnipiac University Polling Institute

But Gov. Christopher Christie’s proposal to have the state take over Atlantic City law enforcement and other functions is a bad idea, New Jersey voters say 46 – 33 percent, the independent Quinnipiac (KWIN-uh-pe-ack) University poll finds.

Men say 42 – 39 percent the proposed takeover is a bad idea, while women oppose it 50 – 29 percent. Republicans support the idea 46 – 34 percent, but opposition is 55 – 26 percent among Democrats and 45 – 33 percent among independent voters.

Jersey Shore voters split with 37 percent saying it’s a good idea and 40 percent saying it’s a bad idea. Voters in other regions are opposed by wider margins.

“Bring back romantic-enchantic Atlantic City, New Jerseyans say.  They want the place to be revived as a beach and boardwalk mecca,” said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

“But they don’t like the proposed state takeover. There’s a political split—Republicans are tepidly in favor; Democrats heavily against.”

New Jersey voters say 44 – 39 percent, with 16 percent undecided, that the state should not get out of the horse racing business. Republicans say stay at the races 45 – 39 percent. Democrats want out of the track 44 – 40 percent while independent voters say continue state support for horse racing 46 – 38 percent.

Women want to stay with the ponies 44 – 37 percent, compared to 46 – 42 percent among men.

By a narrow 47 – 43 percent margin voters say allowing slot machines at racetracks is a good idea. Men support the idea 52 – 40 percent, while women say 46 – 43 percent it’s a bad idea.

Voters in the Philadelphia suburbs and along the Jersey Shore say racetrack slots are a bad idea, while voters in other areas of the state say it’s a good idea.

Democrats say 48 – 42 percent that racetrack slot machines are a bad idea, while the idea wins 49 – 42 percent support from Republicans and the same margin from independent voters.

“We have some unusual twists on the issue of racetracks and slot machines. Women want to keep the state in the racing business almost as much as men,” Carroll said.

“And Democrats, usually stronger proponents of gambling, are mixed on putting slots at the track. Go figure.”

From August 9 – 17, Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,190 New Jersey voters, with a margin of error of +/- 2.8 percentage points.

The Quinnipiac University Poll, directed by Douglas Schwartz, Ph.D., conducts public opinion surveys in New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Florida, Ohio and nationally as a public service and for research.

11. Governor Christie has proposed that the state should take over law enforcement and other functions in Atlantic City. Do you think this is a good idea or a bad idea?

Bad idea 46 34 55 45 42 50 44 54

DK/NA 21 20 19 23 19 21 21 18
Philly

Urban SbUrbn ExUrbn land Shore

Bad idea 47 47 44 53 40

DK/NA 18 21 23 17 23
12. Do you think the state should try to revive Atlantic City as a beach and boardwalk resort or not?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk
Yes 69% 66% 78% 65% 64% 73% 68% 72%

No 25 27 18 27 30 20 25 23

DK/NA 7 6 4 8 7 7 7 4
Philly

Urban SbUrbn ExUrbn land Shore

No 22 24 30 23 25

DK/NA 8 6 7 6 8
13. Do you think the state should end its involvement in horseracing or not?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk
Yes 39% 39% 44% 38% 42% 37% 38% 40%

No 44 45 40 46 46 44 45 48

DK/NA 16 16 17 16 12 20 17 12
Philly

Urban SbUrbn ExUrbn land Shore

No 39 53 40 35 46

DK/NA 16 14 14 17 21
14. Many politicians have proposed allowing slot machines at racetracks. Do you think that is a good idea or a bad idea?
Tot Rep Dem Ind Men Wom Wht Blk
Good idea 47% 49% 42% 49% 52% 43% 47% 48%

Bad idea 43 42 48 42 40 46 44 49

DK/NA 9 9 9 9 8 11 10 4
Philly

Urban SbUrbn ExUrbn land Shore

Bad idea 45 36 43 52 47

DK/NA 5 9 10 12 10

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