Poll: Gillibrand Trails Giuliani, Narrowly Leads Pataki

A new Siena poll shows that appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY) continues to be in a marginal position going into her 2010 special election, though she remains the strongest potential Democratic nominee.

In general election match-ups, Gillibrand trails Rudy Giuliani by 49%-42%, and leads George Pataki by 43%. Against lesser-known Republican Bruce Blakeman, a possible candidate who is currently a commissioner for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, Gillibrand leads by 52%-22%. The margin of error is ±3.8%.

Another Democrat was tested, outgoing New York City Comptroller and recent unsuccessful mayoral nominee Bill Thompson, who trails Giuliani by 56%-34% and Pataki by 49%-36%, and led Blakeman by 40%-23%.

In a potential Democratic primary, Gillibrand has 32%; Thompson has 23%; former Rep. Harold Ford (D-TN), who ran unsuccessfully for Senate from his original home state in 2006, has seven percent; and labor union organizer Jonathan Tasini, who is actually an active candidate, has only three points.