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Republican Gov. Chris Christie is running against Democratic state Sen. Barbara Buono in this year's gubernatorial race.

(Star-Ledger file photo)

TRENTON

— Gov. Chris Christie's lead in his race for re-election is shrinking, according to a new poll.

The Monmouth University/Asbury Park Press poll, released today, shows Christie still leads Democratic challenger Barbara Buono 56 to 36 percent among likely voters — a healthy 20-point advantage.

But that's a 10-point drop from Monmouth's last poll in June.

Still, Patrick Murray, director of the Monmouth University Polling Institute, said it won't be enough for Buono to win.

"The trend suggests that New Jersey Democrats are coming back home," Murray said. "But it's not quite enough for Buono to overcome Christie's sizable advantage among independents."

At an appearance in Asbury Park today, Buono said her gain in the poll is more than just water finding its level in a Democratic-leaning state. She said it shows her efforts to define Christie as a conservative who is out of step on the issues are working.

"We have done a lot of grassroots events and we're connecting with people," Buono said.

The poll also finds that Christie remains untarnished by criticism over the state's "Stronger Than the Storm" television commercials and talk about his possible 2016 presidential run.

Christie has faced backlash — particularly from Buono — for appearing during an election year in the commercials — part of a $25 million state tourism campaign funded with federal disaster aid money.

But 63 percent of likely voters — nearly two-thirds — say his appearance is appropriate, while 24 percent disapprove and 13 have no opinion. Among voters who are undecided or may change their minds, 50 percent said it's appropriate and 31 say it is not. (The poll shows 81 percent of likely voters have seen the ad and 10 percent have heard about them.)

Buono's campaign has also criticized Christie for being more concerned about his possible presidential run than his role as governor. The poll shows that 19 percent of voters say Christie is definitely running for the White House and 60 percent say he is probably going to run.

"Convincing more voters that Gov. Christie has his eyes set on the White House may narrow the gap for Buono, but is unlikely to close it," Murray said.

The survey was conducted Aug. 15-18 over the phone with 777 voters. The margin of error was plus or minus 3.5 percent.

Star-Ledger staff writer Jarrett Renshaw contributed to this report.

RELATED COVERAGE

• Christie's appearance in 'Stronger Than the Storm' ads doesn't bother N.J. voters, poll shows

• Poll: Christie maintains lead over Buono in N.J. governor's race

• Complete coverage of the 2013 New Jersey governor's race

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