U.S. Attorney Chris Christie was the most popular candidate in a Hall Institute straw poll on New Jersey's 2009 race for Governor. Christie, who plans to resign from his law enforcement position next week, received 77 votes, followed by Senate President Richard Codey with 51. Incumbent Governor Jon Corzine had 44 votes.

Rounding out the field were Assemblyman Rick Merkt with eight, and bio-tech executive John Crowley and former Bogota Mayor Steve Lonegan, each with seven. There were eight write-in votes.

The Hall Institute conducted the straw poll during last week’s New Jersey State League of Municipalities Conference. Play Podcast

The Race Is On— Election Day may not be until next November, but developments already are underway. Chris Christie is leaving his position as U.S. Attorney, Steve Lonegan is scheduled to kick off his campaign next week, and Rick Merkt already has thrown his hat into the ring. In A Hypothetical Corzine v. Christie Matchup: Battle of the Titans, attorney Michael Shapiro offers an early commentary on the campaign.

An Economic Plan— While attention shifts to an election that still almost a year away, the more immediate issue on the table is the economy. In INCENTIVES NEEDED TO CREATE NEW JOBS IN NJ, State Senator Joseph Kyrillos argues that we need to free our economy from the tax and regulatory burdens of our state government.

Municipal Issues— Our straw poll also included questions on municipal consolidation and outsourcing. By a margin of 136-74, respondents opposed the outsourcing of clerical functions of state government as a cost-savings tool. Asked if they would support outsourcing or municipal consolidation to lower property taxes, 78 chose consolidation and 16 opted for outsourcing. Fifty three supported both; 67 were opposed to both options. Play Podcast

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The Hall Institute is a non-partisan, not-for-profit foundation established to explore social, economic, educational and cultural issues. Our weekly email newsletter is sent to organizations and individuals with an interest in the material posted on our website at www.hallnj.org.

Since its inception in 2005, the institute has emerged as a leading voice for public policy in New Jersey. More than 400 papers, on topics ranging from health care to education to property taxes, have been posted on our website.

In 2006 and 2008, the institute presented online Virtual Debates among the candidates in New Jersey's U.S. Senate race. We also sponsored NJ2008, a special section on New Jersey's role in the 2008 presidential campaign.

In addition to our other activities, the institute also has published two books -- The State of the Garden State and Reaction and Reform in New Jersey. Both are compilations of the major papers posted on its website.

Located in Trenton directly across from the New Jersey State House, the institute was established by George E. Hall, a successful business executive and a leading philanthropist who lives in Middletown, N.J.