N.J. Gov. Christie enjoys record support — from Democrats

New Jersey's Governor Chris Christie has found his niche and it is deep within the ranks of the Democratic Party, according to media reports that indicate high favor from liberals for the Republican governor.

According to a story in The Daily Beast, Mr. Christie gets high marks from Democrats — to the tune of 62 percent. Mr. Christie further touts a 69 percent support rating from non-whites, a 70 percent support rating from women, and a 72 percent support level from declared Independent voters, according to The Daily Beast.

Moreover, the report continues, Mr. Christie is pulling those numbers from a state constituency that overwhelmingly voted for President Obama — by 17 percentage points — and from a state political party make-up that is only 20 percent declared Republican.

The National Journal, meanwhile, reports Democrats are bowing out of the governor's race in record numbers. First, it was Newark Mayor Cory Booker, who is now pursuing a Democratic Senate seat. Then, it was former Gov. Richard Codey, a popular Democrat who announced last week he's not racing Mr. Christie for personal reasons, according to The National Journal. Then, it's Democrat Senate President Steve Sweeney — he's reportedly seeking another run as state legislator.

That leaves state Sen. Barbara Buono to run against Mr. Christie for the Democratic Party. But Quinnipiac polls as recent as last week, The National Journal reports, put her at a dramatic lag, 22 percent to Mr. Christie's 63 percent.

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