(WEST ORANGE, SEPTEMBER 27) - Schundler for Governor Campaign Manager Bill Pascoe issued the following statement in response to the news from Quinnipiac University that Jim McGreevey’s 20-point lead has diminished to 14 points as we head into October:

“The Quinnipiac University poll released today shows that Bret Schundler has cut 25 percent off Jim McGreevey’s lead. This should be no surprise -- now, more than ever, New Jerseyans are looking for strong and compassionate leadership, and on that front Bret Schundler stands head and shoulders above Jim McGreevey. As voters begin to pay closer attention to the choice they face, they’ll move in larger and larger numbers toward Bret.

“I think we’ve been here before. For those who haven’t paid attention in the past, here’s how it works with Bret Schundler:

“He starts off way behind in the polls, simply because people haven’t yet been introduced to him. As voters begin to learn about him, and then compare him and his opponent, that margin narrows. And then in the final weeks as voters get to know about Bret’s record and his vision for the future, he surges ahead.

“We have done no significant radio or television advertising in the past month, so most voters still are not familiar with Bret Schundler. But as they are starting to become more focused on this election, it is apparent that they are becoming uncomfortable with the prospect of Jim McGreevey as governor. Once voters learn about Bret’s record in Jersey City of turning around a city in crisis by lowering taxes, making streets safer and creating new jobs, they will realize he is the right leader for our state.

“The momentum is already beginning to build, and this is happening just as we are starting to reach out directly to voters with advertising. Clearly those voters are already becoming less confident in Jim McGreevey’s ability to lead our state, and we’re sure that it won’t be long before they realize that Bret Schundler is the candidate who can best guide New Jersey through the next four years.”