Poll: Gillibrand Could Have Trouble In New York
The new Marist Poll in New York suggests that Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand could be in a rough patch, going into her 2010 election after she was appointed by Gov. David Paterson earlier this year.
Former Republican Gov. George Pataki now has a lead of 46%-38% over Gillibrand, while Gillibrand leads GOP Rep. Peter King by 42%-31%. Back in March, Gillibrand led Pataki 45%-41%, and led King 49%-23%. Only 19% of registered voters say Gillibrand is doing an excellent or good job, compared to 38% who give her a fair or poor rating.
In a hypothetical Democratic primary with Rep. Carolyn Maloney, Gillibrand has 36% to Maloney's 31%, with very a high undecided number. On the GOP side, Pataki has a 48%-36% lead over King. Pataki and Maloney are not in the race right now, while King is publicly exploring it.
Josh
Matt
Eric
I wouldn't put too much faith in Pataki's early poll numbers. He is an unattractive politician with decidedly right-wing and outdated political views. During his twelve years as governor he established distinctly right-wing, minimalist government stances, in the hope that he could become an attractive candidate for higher office - president or vice president of the nation. He made the state suffer accordingly. With bad financial management, also. The national Republican party showed no interest in him. In a Senate race in New York, should the party be so unwise as to select him, his past will return to haunt him. And New York State is in no mood to support a Republican just now, any Republican, least of all Pataki. I'll place my bet on Gillibrand.
May 4, 2009 11:23 AM | Reply | Permalink
Unless a bunch of NYC progressives decide they love Pataki, Gillibrand will win on her strength in her district alone.
May 4, 2009 11:34 AM | Reply | Permalink
Just ask Tedisco.
May 4, 2009 11:36 AM | Reply | Permalink
{ Rim shot! }
May 4, 2009 12:00 PM | Reply | Permalink
These polls are so meaningless. If the repubs nominate Pataki the dems will rightly blame him for most of the state's current fiscal problems.
Gillibrand's political skills should not be underestimated, I don't expect here to have to hard a time getting elected.
May 4, 2009 12:08 PM | Reply | Permalink
Ditto all the above - if these polls are giving Pataki those kinds of numbers, they are absolutely ridiculous.
May 4, 2009 1:11 PM | Reply | Permalink
I am not so concerned about Pataki.
May 4, 2009 4:38 PM | Reply | Permalink