Poll: Paterson In The Dumps
It's really looking like Gov. David Paterson (D-NY) could be a lost cause going into 2010, with a new Siena poll saying that he would get creamed in both the primary and general elections.
Only 14% of registered voters say they would like to see Paterson elected, compared to 67% who want someone else. In a Democratic primary against state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Paterson has 17% to Cuomo's 67%. In a general election against Rudy Giuliani, Rudy would beat Paterson 56%-33%, while Cuomo is ahead of Rudy 51%-41%.
Things are looking better for appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, with her real obstacle being that people don't know much about her yet. Among registered voters, 23% would elect her and 37% want someone else -- but consider the fact that her favorable rating is 26%, her unfavorable number is 20%, and a solid 54% majority don't have an opinion. Against GOP Congressman Peter King, she leads 47%-23%, while she and former GOP Gov. George Pataki are tied 41%-41%.
Josh
Matt
Eric
Brian
These numbers are truly incredible. An incumbent Governor losing a primary by 50%! Can you imagine? At the same time, Paterson is just the most symptomatic example of the fact that Governors are sinking across the country because of their state's budgetary woes.
The latest (non-Paterson) example: Republicans have apparently recruited a top-tier challenger to Governor Bill Ritter in Colorado even though they still have no one against far more obviously vulnerable Senator Michael Bennet.
March 23, 2009 3:02 PM | Reply | Permalink
If you are not from New York you can hardly understand how ridiculous our politics are. This particular fellow is a quite empty suit who rose to the Governorship by a combination of having a famous and powerful father, and the utter pointlessness of being in the minority party in the State Senate.
He became Lt. Governor by a nonsensical attempt to show "independence" from a politically tone deaf candidate for Governor who got elected after Republicans made a hash of everything they touched, but then had to resign because of some addiction to hookers. Had this guy not become Governor (who, within a week, admitted to drug use and an extramarital affair with a state employee who, by then, was working for the Hooker infested Governor) he would have magically become Senate Majority Leader, which, in our state, is almost as important as being Governor.
Bye, bye, David.
March 23, 2009 8:20 PM | Reply | Permalink
As a New York resident and as staunch a Democrat as ever appeared on this board (and hates "yoosta bees"), Gov. Paterson gets me riled up as not even Joe Lieberman could. Count me among those who would vote for any New York Republican over Paterson, even Al D'Amato, even Rudy, even George Pataki again, without batting an eye. Anything to get rid of this guy before he screws up New York State so bad it can't be un-screwed.
March 23, 2009 3:09 PM | Reply | Permalink
I bleed blue but I cannot vote for this guy. he is totally incompetent and way over his head. The sooner he says he will not run, the sooner the NY Dems can start fielding a great new candidate.
As for Gillabrand, you are wrong. The more we learn about Ms. Gun Totin' Mama, the more we are looking for alternatives. I have gone from lukewarm acceptance to a desire for a New York Dem rathwer than a wasked over D'Amato retread.
March 23, 2009 4:26 PM | Reply | Permalink
No matter where you stood on Caroline Kennedy's
quest for Hillary's old senate seat.
The Gov disrespected the daughter of a slain President,a notorious fundraiser for NY schools,and humiliated her to withdraw her name from consideration.
Cuomo should've been in the running for the seat.Instead you picked an, in the closet,as close to a repugnican as you can get,unknown candidate.
So to recap,your toast!!!
March 23, 2009 5:56 PM | Reply | Permalink