By: BigBoneBilly February 4, 2009

Christie leads Corzine by 6 in Quinnipiac poll released this morning

- First time since 2002 a GOP candidate leads statewide race outside margin of error -

On the day Chris Christie officially kicks off his campaign for Governor, his campaign is boosted by news of a Quinnipiac poll that shows him as the strongest challenger to Governor Jon Corzine. While neither candidate breaks 50% in the ballot test, Corzine is carrying a 50% disapproval rating. Even further, 54% of New Jerseyans say that Corzine does NOT deserve a second term. Christie leads Corzine among independent voters 49%-24% (a margin that would ensure victories in Bergen and Middlesex).

On the Republican side, Christie leads Lonegan 44%-17%.

The telephone survey of 1,173 registered voters was taken Jan. 29 through Feb. 2 and has a sampling error margin of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points.

Christie couldn't have gotten much better news to start the day off. If he shows some impressive fundraising numbers (this poll will help that) and encounters no stumbling blocks during his two day official roll out - Christie will have a ton of momentum to start this race on.

Don't get too excited yet, SaveJerseyans, we have a lot of work to do to make sure Drumthwacket gets some red curtains. Will you be there? You can bet BigBoneBilly will...