Poll: Voters back Lautenberg on issues, but are wary of his age

By RICHARD PEARSALL • Courier-Post Staff • July 24, 2008 Dick Zimmer continues to face an uphill battle in his bid to become the first Republican elected to the U.S. Senate from New Jersey since Clifford P. Case in 1972, a new poll shows. Democratic incumbent Frank Lautenberg leads Zimmer, a former congressman from Hunterdon County, by 11 percentage points among registered voters, according to a Monmouth University/Gannett New Jersey poll. But there was also data in the poll to give Zimmer hope, including indications that independent or unaffiliated voters are leaning his way and continuing concern among some voters about Lautenberg's age. The four-term senator is 84. The poll found more voters in tune with Lautenberg than his opponent on issues like the economy and Iraq. And it suggested this year's presidential election... [read full story]