After a big primary victory last week, Democratic Senator Frank Lautenberg is in good position to win a fifth non-consecutive term in New Jersey, a new poll shows. And despite low approval ratings in the past, the early advertising blitz the primary forced on Lautenberg looks like it has paid off, as New Jersey voters now see him in a more favorable light than they have recently.

The poll, conducted by Quinnipiac University, surveyed 1,473 registered voters between 6/5-8 for a margin of error of +/- 3%. Lautenberg and former Rep. Dick Zimmer, who won the Republican nomination, were tested.

General Election Matchup
(All / Dem / GOP / Ind / Men / Wom)
Lautenberg......47 / 80 / 13 / 35 / 45 / 50
Zimmer.............38 / 11 / 79 / 43 / 42 / 36

Though his numbers remain below the critical 50% mark, Lautenberg can take solace in the fact that ordinarily, New Jersey voters are very hesitant about answering pollsters. The state is infamous for sporting a huge number of undecided voters as late as a few days before the election. With so few claiming to be undecided now, Lautenberg has a decent lead, though he should be concerned with appealing to independent voters, among whom he trails by eight points.

Lautenberg's approval rating is up seven points, to 46%, since the last survey, conducted in late February, showed 39% of Garden Staters liking the job he's doing as Senator. His colleague, junior Senator Bob Menendez, sports ratings more similar to that of a New Jersey incumbent not facing imminent re-election; just 36% like the job he's doing, while 26% disapprove.

While he leads, many still think Lautenberg is too old to serve another six-year term. Democratic Rep. Rob Andrews repeatedly pointed out that Lautenberg will be weeks away from 91 years old at the end of the term, and 54% of respondents said they thought he would not be able to serve effectively. 59% of independents and 48% of Democrats agreed.

But in a heavily Democratic state in which voters break late to Democratic candidates, Zimmer faces a steep uphill climb. To achieve success, he may need outside political and financial help, and if John McCain plans to seriously compete in the state, Zimmer could benefit. McCain will visit New Jersey tomorrow, stopping at a community college in Pemberton.