Bob Hugin’s team celebrated today’s Stockton University Poll, underscoring the poll’s findings that 54% of voters view incumbent U.S. Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) unfavorably.

“Today’s poll is no surprise,” said Hugin in a statement. “Since launching my campaign, I’ve made over 400 campaign stops and met thousands of voters throughout the state,” said Hugin. “Whether you’re a Democrat, Republican, or Independent, voters want a Senator who will put New Jersey first and represent them with honor and integrity. That’s why a growing number of Democrats are publicly endorsing my campaign.”

Menendez responded to the poll here.

Hugin said the poll confirms that his campaign has the momentum in the race and that Menendez continues to remain “one of the most unpopular career politicians in the country.”

“As we approach Election Day, it’s clear that voters are unwilling to re-elect Bob Menendez, a corrupt, career politician who violated federal law and abused the power of his office for his donor friend, a convicted felon who blinded patients with lasers, scammed seniors, and stole $73 million from Medicare,” said Campaign Manager Stacy Schuster. “As the people of New Jersey continue to learn more about Marine veteran and job creator Bob Hugin’s track record of service and working together with others to get results, we’re confident they will support Bob Hugin on Election Day.”

As for Team Menendez’s take on the poll, Hugin Spokesman Harrison Neely hit back with this:

They highlighted the following:

POLL OVERVIEW:

• Hugin trails Menendez by just 2 points

• 54% voters have an unfavorable view of Menendez

• 59% percent of voters say the corruption charges against Menendez are an extremely important or significant factor in their vote

• Hugin is winning Independents by a 4 to 3 margin