New Jersey: Obama up 8%

A new Monmouth University poll of New Jersey shows Barack Obama leading Mitt Romney among likely voters, 50%-42%.

As usual, Obama's advantage jumps among registered voters, with whom he leads, 51%-38%.

Key stats:

a. Enthusiasm is even.

53% of Republicans say they're more enthusiastic than usual about voting, while 51% of Democrats say the same.

That's much closer than 2008 when 66% of Dems said they were more enthusiastic about voting than usual, while only 39% of Republicans said the same.

b. Obama leads on the economy, 46%-37%, with registered voters and 44%-42% with likely voters.

That's a sign that Mitt really has no shot in Jersey. Running behind with both groups in a state that's already blue is too tough.

c. Obama leads on being a strong leader, 45%-26%.

d. Obama leads on caring about people, 51%-20%.

e. Obama and Christie Christie have nearly identical favorables.

The president is at 53%/34%, while Christie is at 52%/33%.

f. Indies back Obama, 44%-42%.

g. Christie's fav rating with independents is a stunningly good, 56%/28%.

The gist? Jersey's 14 electoral votes won't stray.

[Photo: White House, Pete Souza]