Recreational Poli Sci

Does presidential popularity influence voters’ perceptions of statewide candidates? One idea is here from DailyKos, via The Hill, asserting a “maybe” or even a “yes.” I asked a related question earlier this year, do presidential ballots predict gubernatorial ballots the year after? Kos was concerned about Virginia, but NJ also has a gov election this year. The graph above was an attempt to see if Obama’s 57ish% in NJ would buoy Corzine’s attempt to keep is job. The fact that the prediction lines are flat indicates to me an answer: no.