Steve Fulop

A poll showing Jersey City Mayor Jerramiah Healy’s approval rating at 71% has two of his rivals skeptical.

Former Assemblyman Lou Manzo and Jersey City Councilman Steve Fulop are both considering making a bid for the seat in 2009. And based on what they’ve seen across town, they don’t believe it’s possible for Healy to have an approval rating of 71%, or a favorability rating of 66%.

“Taxes are up 35%, crime is still an issue. A reasonable person would ask if that poll is valid,” said Fulop. “It was likely conducted at the Astor Bar between the hours of 11(p.m.) and (2a.m.) – then it would make sense.”

Did Hillary Clinton cancel a public event in Hudson County today because she doesn’t want to take sides in a fledgling Democratic congressional primary next year?

Clinton was scheduled to hold a rally in the shadows of the towers that make up the Newport development in Jersey City, but citing scheduling conflicts, the Clinton campaign called off the public event. She will still attend a $1,000-a-head fundraiser this afternoon sponsored by Jersey City Councilman Steven Fulop, who might challenge Rep. Albio Sires in the June 2008 Democratic primary.