A recent Emerson poll discovered a 7-point race between presumptive Democrat U.S. Senate nominee Andy Kim and a Republican nominee (as of yet to be decided) if Bob Menendez runs as an independent.
That poll is no longer dismissible as an aberration.
On Monday, FDU released survey results showing a 48% to 39% margin for Kim over a Republican candidate among registered voters. However, if Menendez is in the race as a third party candidate, Kim’s lead shrinks to 5-points (44% to 39%).
“Right now, this race isn’t close enough for Menendez to serve as a spoiler,” said Dan Cassino who serves as director of the FDU poll. “But if he’s on the ballot, the race gets a lot more interesting. Despite all of his legal problems, Menendez still has a base, and if he’s on the ballot, that base is going to come out for him. He’s not going to win, but he might be able to make things uncomfortable for Democrats.”
Menendez, facing a federal criminal trial in May, has until the date of the June primary to file as an independent. The incumbent has indicated that he’s weighing a candidacy.
