Most individuals who are aware of the scandal surrounding New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie (R) and the closure of access lanes to the George Washington Bridge doubt that the governor was not aware of his aides' involvement in the controversy.
A Pew Research Center-USA TODAY survey released Monday found that 58 percent of Americans who have heard of the controversy are skeptical that Christie was in the dark about his aides' decision to close the lanes as means of political retribution, while 32 percent take the governor for his word.
The poll also found Christie's unfavorable rate at 34 percent, double his rating at this time last year. 40 percent of voters still view the governor favorably, but that number is down 2 points from last January.
Other recent polls have followed similar trends.
A Rasmussen poll released January 10 found that 55 percent of likely New Jersey voters view Christie favorably, down from 63 percent after his reelection in November. And another poll released Monday by Siena College also found a decline in Christie's popularity with New York voters, dropping from 63 percent in November to 49 percent this month.
The Pew-USA Today poll surveyed 1,504 adults from January 15 to Januray 19. During that time, more allegations against the Christie administration have come to light, including Hoboken Mayor Dawn Zimmer's claim that the New Jersey lieutenant governor threatened to withhold recovery aid after Superstorm Sandy if the mayor did not support a major real estate development.
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