PERTH AMBOY – The polls for Phil Murphy in the last few days have been pretty good.

He has a double-digit lead and what’s more, a strong majority backs his school mask mandate, a decision that prompted an angry protest when announced earlier this month.

Most politicians refrain from gloating about positive polls.

Part of it could be superstition; there’s also the fear things can turn around.

So it was no surprise that Murphy shrugged off the good numbers during an event here today in which he was endorsed by the state chapter of the American Federation of Teachers.

In fact, he said he wishes he “had a nickel” every time supporters tell him he’s got the election in the bag.

“That’s the last thing we want to hear,” he said at Perth Amboy’s City Hall Circle.

He then added that he’s running like he’s 10 points behind. That may have been a creative quip when it was first uttered years ago, but now it’s a mere cliche.

It’s no surprise that a union is endorsing Murphy, but, nonetheless, the governor said he was humbled and called the support “rocket fuel” for his campaign.

The governor did say that he’s not only running against a Republican opponent, he’s running against those who may not be enthused.

That’s a valid point.

Democrats, who turned out in droves to flip four House seats in 2018 and to unseat Donald Trump last year, may be less enthusiastic this year, especially if polls show Murphy with a comfortable lead.

Which is why, Murphy said, “We get up each morning not taking anything for granted.”

Accepting an endorsement is no time for an extensive campaign speech. Instead, the governor talked about a record contribution of $6.9 billion into the pension system and the state’s support for labor, workers and immigrants.

He didn’t mention Jack Ciattarelli by name, but said, “We don’t want to let the other guy undo the work we have done.”

Murphy also said that when it comes to his philosophy, what you see is what you get.

“We are who we said we would be,” he explained.

Explaining a bit further, the governor meant that he ran in the primary way back in June, 2017 as a strong progressive and that he hasn’t changed.

This, he noted, challenges conventional wisdom that suggests candidates run to the extremes in primaries and then move center for the general.

This observation also allowed Murphy to take a swipe at Ciattarelli.

He remarked that the Republican candidate hasn’t changed since the primary and remains on the far right.