(WEST ORANGE, OCTOBER 17) - Schundler for Governor Campaign Manager Bill Pascoe, responding to the latest news from Quinnipiac University that Jim McGreevey’s 14-point lead has diminished further, to just 10 points, as the campaign enters its final three weeks, today issued the following statement:

“The Quinnipiac poll released today - where Jim McGreevey leads Bret by just 49-39 percent among likely voters -- shows that Bret has cut ANOTHER 25 percent off Jim McGreevey’s lead, and we’re now just ten points back, well-positioned for a stretch run. We’ve said it all along, and this new poll bears it out - voters looking for strong leadership, who know that the best way to keep our economy is strong is to cut taxes, are moving to Bret as they learn more about the two candidates.

“That’s good news for New Jerseyans concerned about the crushing tax burden in this state - Jim McGreevey STILL hasn’t broken the 50 percent threshold, even though he’s been running for Governor for more than 5 years now, and Bret has picked up nine points since the last poll three weeks ago.

“Perhaps that’s because voters realize that despite running for more than five years now, Jim McGreevey STILL hasn’t offered a plan to reduce property taxes -- in fact, the only REAL proposal he’s made on property taxes is to RAISE them by $45 million, by capping the New Jersey Saver rebate! Or perhaps it’s because they realize that electing the guy who failed to stand up to the Party bosses and special interests and instead cast the deciding vote for Jim Florio’s $2.8 billion tax increase isn’t the best thing to do as the economy dips.

“A look at the internals on the poll is even more revealing -- Jim McGreevey fares no better among likely voters than he does among all voters, while Bret DOES score better among those more likely to vote. Translation: Bret’s supporters are more committed.

“Moreover, there’s still 20 percent of the electorate that doesn’t know enough about Jim McGreevey to form an opinion of him, while 25 percent still haven’t learned enough about Bret. But undecideds are clearly breaking to Bret, and will continue to do so in the remaining weeks of the campaign.

“The electorate is moving our way for a simple reason -- because as they learn more about the two candidates, they’re learning that a vote for Bret Schundler is a vote for lower taxes, while a vote for Jim McGreevey is a vote for higher taxes. Bret has already pledged to oppose and veto any attempts to increase taxes, while Jim McGreevey has not only refused to rule out a tax increase, he has actually said already that he would RAISE property taxes. That’s not what New Jersey needs, and that’s why voters are moving to Bret.”