(08/17/06) EDISON ? Based on the opinions of residents, party affiliation could play a major factor in New Jersey?s upcoming U.S. Senate election.

A recent Monmouth University/Gannett poll shows both Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ) and Tom Kean Jr. (R) locked in a tight political battle. According to the poll, Menendez holds 38 percent of the vote with Kean capturing 37 percent. Despite the tight race, both candidates could be suffering from an identity crisis among voters. Some residents say they don?t even know who?s running this November.

Many voters also say they?re most concerned with property taxes, but U.S. Senators don?t have much control over that issue. Analysts say political party affiliation will be key in the race. If that?s the case, analysts believe Menendez could end up with a slight disadvantage. The rise in property taxes and recent state government shutdown has left many residents with a dim view of Democrats, who control the state.