While the poll showed a drop in the positive feelings toward New Jersey Gov. Christie overall and a drop in positive feelings even among Republicans, Mr. Christie’s numbers actually improved among more strongly partisan Core Republicans. Among Core Republicans, only 32% had positive feelings about Mr. Christie in October. In January, that number climbed to 42%.

Indeed, the Core Republican number has stood apart from the figures overall going back over the last few surveys. It was lower than the overall figure and the total Republican figure in the summer and in October, but was much higher than both in the latest survey.