New Jersey voters said the state’s governor needs to cut state spending. A Quinnipiac University poll out today found voters want Gov. Chris Christie to reduce the cost of government. That includes layoffs or furloughs for public employees. Some 97 percent identified New Jersey’s fiscal difficulties as “somewhat” or “very” serious. However, nearly two-thirds are optimistic about having Christie as governor. The poll also showed disdain for the Legislature. Just 15 percent believe it has the courage to make unpopular budget choices.

The telephone poll of 1,175 New Jersey voters was taken Jan. 13-18 and has a sampling error margin of plus or minus 2.9 percentage points. AP