The latest Rasmussen Reports New Jersey survey finds Senator Kerry with 53% of the vote while President Bush earns 41%. The Garden State appeared to be in play for a period of time following the Republican National Convention, but it now appears safely back in the Democrats' column. It will remain as a "Leans Kerry" for our Electoral College projection.

While Bush has occasionally closed the gap in New Jersey, Kerry has been ahead in every Rasmussen Reports survey this year. Just before the Republican National Convention, our survey showed Kerry with an eight-percentage point lead.

Fifty-three percent (53%) of New Jersey voters have a favorable opinion of Senator Kerry. Just 45% say the same of President Bush. Four years ago, Bush lost New Jersey to Al Gore by sixteen points, 56% to 40%.

Forty-six percent (48%) of New Jersey voters Approve of the way President Bush is performing his job. That's below his national Job Approval rating.

Rasmussen Reports has recently released state election polls for Alabama, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, West Virginia, Washington, Virginia, and Wisconsin.