Republican Jack Ciattarelli and the top Democratic candidate are viewed favorably by a similar percentage of voters, a poll shows.

And don’t forget NJEA president Sean Spiller, leader of Jersey’s largest teacher union. He’s boosted by almost $38 million — yes, $38 million — in money from the union, which has helped pay for an endless stream of mailers and billboards. They also know how to get voters to the polls.

A crowded Democratic primary in New Jersey has candidates racing to cast themselves as best positioned to fight against President Donald Trump. Republicans, meanwhile, have turned their contest into a battle over who best represents Trump.