Poll: Gov. Christie's Approval Ratings Highest Ever; NJ Voters Support NYPD Muslim Surveillance

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie is enjoying the best approval ratings ever, according to a new Quinnipiac University poll.

The poll, which was released on Wednesday morning, found that New Jersey voters approve of Christie 59-36 percent. The ratings break down in the following way: Republicans approve 92-6 percent, independents approve 64-32, while Democrats disapprove 64-30 percent.

Poll director Maurice Carroll told 1010 WINS on Wednesday that Christie is "at the peak of his job approval." Carroll said "People look at him -- New Jersey people -- in Trenton and they tell Quinnipiac 'Yeah, he's doing a good job.'"

LINK: Check Out The Quinnipiac University Poll Results

The poll also showed that New Jersey voters approve of the way Christie is handling the state budget by a margin of 58 to 35 percent.

Meanwhile, the same poll also surveyed New Jerseyans about the controversial topic of Muslim surveillance conducted by the NYPD in the Garden State.

Apparently, people in the state don't find it so controversial.

New Jersey voters said 70 to 21 percent that the NYPD is "doing what is necessary to combat terrorism" by gathering information on Muslim organizations and activities in the state, according to Quinnipiac.

New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg has previously said that the NYPD would operate anywhere in the United States if it believes it was necessary to prevent terrorism. Christie has said that he has no problem with such a practice as long as local police are informed and briefed on the findings.

The New Jersey governor has been vocal about the situation and has said that the NYPD and Police Commissioner Ray Kelly have not adequately briefed Garden State officials about its operations. He has also said that the NYPD believes they are "masters of the universe."

However, New Jersey respondents to the poll disagreed 56 to 32 percent with Christie's criticism of Kelly. Sixty two percent said the NYPD treats Muslims appropriately while only 18 percent said Muslims were treated unfairly.

"Quinnipiac numbers say the New York City cops -- they're welcome, come on over. New Jerseyans reject that media brouhaha over checking up on Muslims," Carroll said.

Where do you stand on Christie's job approval and NYPD surveillance of Muslims in New Jersey?  Share your thoughts below...