TRENTON, NJ – New Jersey Democrats say they are within striking distance of securing enough support to override a veto by Governor Chris Christie of same-sex marriage legislation if chooses not to support it. The Wall Street Journal reports that state Senator Raymond Lesniak, one of the bill’s sponsors, estimates the chamber has between 24 and 27 supporters
for legislation allowing same-sex marriage. It takes 27 votes in the 40-member state senate to override the governor’s veto.

A new Quinnipiac University poll released Jan.19 found that 52 percent of New Jersey voters favor gay marriage, the first time approval has topped 50 percent in the poll’s history. Support varies by party affiliation: majorities of Democratic (62 percent) and independent voters (54 percent) are in favor, while only 35 percent of Republicans approve, according to the poll.

In 2003, New Jersey became one of the first states to authorize civil unions for same-sex couples. The bill now under consideration would allow couples with a civil union to “immediately” get a marriage license if they seek one.