5/21: Less Than Half of Americans to Vacation This Summer

Fewer than half of all Americans — 49% — plan on taking a summer vacation this year.  When Marist last posed this question two years ago, 63% reported they were hitting the road.

Annual household income currently plays a large role here. Just 38% of residents earning less than $50,000 a year will be taking a trip within the next few months.  This compares with 57% who make between $50,000 and $99,999 annually and 77% of those who earn $100,000 or more.  Those living in the Midwest and South have been the hardest hit.

Included in the 49% who are lucky enough to get away this summer, 23% say they are going to take one or more long getaways while 21% report they are going to enjoy several shorter weekend trips.  Just 5% are planning both or have some other type of holiday in mind.  In 2007, 28% of Americans took at least one long vacation, and 35% enjoyed shorter stints away from home.  37% stayed at home.

Once again, money currently impacts travel decisions.  Americans with larger salaries are more likely to take longer getaways.  39% of residents making $100,000 or more annually are planning at least one long vacation.  This compares with 27% earning between $50,000 and $99,999 a year and 14% of those in a lower income bracket.

More than one-third of Americans — 35% — report they have changed their travel plans to specifically save money.  65% of residents nationally, however, report that’s not their intent.  And, when it comes down to the nitty-gritty of vacation spending, nearly four in ten Americans — 37% — are planning to spend less money this year compared with their last vacation.  Half report they will spend the same while just 13% report they will shell out more.

Table: Plan on Taking a Summer Vacation

Table: Summer Vacation History

Table: Length of Vacation

Table: Changed Plans to Save Money

Table: Vacation Spending

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories:

Big Apple: Big Fun?

South African Adventure

5/21: Big Apple: Big Fun?

Think summer.  Think vacation.  Think closer to home?  A plurality of Americans — 46% — view New York City as an excellent or good place to visit or vacation.  But, call them biased, the numbers are bolstered by Northeasterners.  63% of Americans who live in the region see the Big Apple as a potential vacation destination.

Nationwide, a majority of parents consider New York City to be on the list of places to visit.  51% of parents are intrigued by the sights of the city compared with 46% of Americans as a whole.

It’s also for the young at heart and those with a bit more cash to spend.  A majority of Americans younger than forty-five years old — 56% — say New York would be a nice place to visit.  53% of residents who earn fifty thousand dollars or more a year share this view.  However, only 39% of those forty-five or older and 43% of those earning less than fifty thousand dollars annually agree.

Table:  New York City As a Vacation Destination

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories:

Less Than Half of Americans to Vacation This Summer…Money Key Factor

South African Adventure

South African Adventure

To put it simply, my husband and I have been bitten by the travel bug. We just love exploring new places, immersing ourselves in unique cultures, and meeting new people around the world. So, as we try to do once a year, we went to our favorite bookstore where we sat for hours surrounded by travel books trying to decide where to take our next trip. The criteria were: (1) warmth — which ruled out most of the Northern Hemisphere, (2) international, (3) somewhere neither of us had been, (4) offered both relaxation and adventure, and (5) most importantly — affordability.

We left the book store with two guides — one for Thailand and one for South Africa — and planned to make the tough choice by the end of the week. Little did we know that our decision would be made pretty easily. Thailand’s political unrest would resurface deeming it unsafe to travel and The NY Times would publish an article about South Africa as the new, budget-friendly hot spot with their currency drastically weakened. Done — decision made — Cape Town, South Africa it was! Planning for early March meant we could avoid the worst of the SA sweltering summer and peak tourist season. We could let our toes thaw out from the frigid New York air and still get home just as the cherry blossoms were blooming.

We boarded the plane in Albany, NY…and nearly 40 hours later (including a 12-hour stopover in London) we wearily stumbled off. Immediately, the warm Cape Town wind whirled around us and the surrounding unspoiled beauty of Africa made us forget just how cranky, tired, hungry, and dirty we were. Instantly energized, we were anxious to take on our overly-ambitious agenda of must-sees.

Detailing the entire trip seems an impossible task, but hopefully I’ve captured a few of the highlights.

Exploring Table Mountain — an appropriately named flat-peaked mountain which presides over Cape Town — was one of our first adventures. Having initially planned to hike this Wonder of the World-nominated geological marvel, we used jet lag as the perfect excuse to enjoy the relaxing and scenic cable car that launched us to the summit in minutes. Usually preferring the off-the-beaten-path adventures, Table Mountain is packed with tourists, but we realized it’s iconic for a reason. Known for its tumultuous weather which can shift into a shroud of clouds almost instantaneously, we were treated with a clear day and took in the jaw-dropping views. Rolling, green hills and vast countryside to the North, the Indian and Atlantic oceans meeting in the South created an endless horizon. The stunning view of Africa’s sandy coastline below overwhelmed us. This, coupled with the opportunity to see South-Africa’s celebrity-status professional rugby team filming a commercial, led to quite an exciting afternoon.

Cape Town offered incredible hiking, exploration, beaches, luxurious comfort, safety, and amazing food! But best of all, it’s home to the most friendly and welcoming people I’ve ever met. We could have stayed for years but knowing how much more there was to see, we left the city on a driving adventure along the Southeast coast. Our first stop: the winelands of South Africa. Not being wine connoisseurs, we weren’t quite sure what to expect. But our quick visit to the South Africa wine country was the perfect start to our road trip. It was an afternoon spent drinking good wine and eating scrumptious food (except for the funky cheeses that accompanied each glass) while enjoying the beautiful landscape of rolling vines and Dutch architecture.

En route to Cape Point we made several stops, including The Boulders, to see the colony of African Penguins (aka Jackass Penguins — not due to their behavior but rather due to the similarity in the sound of their call). Thousands of these small but endearing flightless birds flock to this shore. We learned they are quite protective of their young if you get too close!

About an hour later, the rugged, beautiful cliff-side road brought us into the Cape of Good Hope National Park (Cape Point). It was like entering another world as the geography drastically changed and the wildlife became more exotic. We took in the absolutely stunning views, gawked at the enormous ostriches, and enjoyed the hike along the treacherous cliffs of Africa’s southern point that has shipwrecked countless boats. The sites are breathtaking. But, even more indescribable was our “adventure” leaving the park. Greg was adamant about seeing the much talked about baboons that inhabit the park. We drove (for hours) till dusk when they are rumored to emerge. Let me just tell you emerge is an understatement. Before we knew it, the baboons lined the road and our car was covered in claw prints as they tried to get at the food in our backseat.

We continued driving East along the coast which took us onto The Garden Route — a coastal corridor where forests, rivers, wetlands, dunes, stretches of beach, lakes, and tropical mountain scenery form a landscape of spectacular beauty. This is a strip of land like no other I’ve seen in terms of beauty, natural attractions and unique flora and fauna. It truly lives up to its name. The Route took us through countless small beach communities — all offering their unique, local hospitality. In fact, we spent one night lodging in a luxury “tree house” deep in the jungle (monkeys surrounding the exterior). We ended our driving expedition with a visit to a wildlife game reserve where we viewed zebras, lions, giraffes, hippos, buffalo, and much more.

After returning to Cape Town, we experienced the most profound and moving part of our trip — a tour of the townships. These communities were developed for non-whites under the old political system of Apartheid. Still home to a large percentage of Cape Town’s working population today, the walking tour was a life-changing opportunity to see just how little life has changed for many since the demise of Apartheid and how a large proportion of the African population lives.

In the community we visited, families lived in small, unstable shacks that they built from wood, sheet metal and plastic — basically anything that could be found along the road. I worried that bumping into a wall would level someone’s home. Most had no plumbing inside and a shared tap in the road provided a water supply; community outhouses lining the street were their only toilets. Litter was everywhere and children ran through the glass-covered streets without shoes. Yet the beauty was in the happiness of the people that crowded the streets. Laughter, song, and dance seemed to wash away the grit of the living conditions and residents were eager to talk about life in the townships. We were honored to meet such beautiful, inspiring people. It was the perfect end to an incredible trip.

I was humbled and somewhat embarrassed that my expectations of South Africa (at least the Southern portion) did not even remotely capture the reality of the landscape. I was stunned to see lush, green rolling hills — similar to those that I saw in Ireland (minus the roaming zebra); the dense evergreen forests that resembled the NY Adirondacks (again, sans the monkeys); the farmlands that I’ve driven through in Wisconsin; the terrifying cliffs overlooking the turquoise ocean that line Brazil’s coast, and the pristine beaches of Australia. South Africa seemed to encompass the best of many worlds we had previously explored yet transcended them all with its exotic wildlife and vibrant culture. We cannot wait to return!

Bittersweet Farewell…Sending Off One of Our Own

It was a brief introduction to what would become a huge part of Liz Zieniewicz’s college experience.  As an incoming Marist College freshman, Zieniewicz received a letter in the mail advertising employment opportunities at The Marist Poll.

That was four years ago — a lifetime in the world of a college student.  But, for Zieniewicz, it feels like it all happened in a flash marked by wonderful memories of her time at The Marist Poll.

Looking back, the 21-year old graduating senior recalls that she desired an on campus job but wasn’t quite sure The Marist Poll was the right fit of her.  Despite her reservations, she took, what would turn out to be, a serendipitous chance.

“I wanted to get a job when I got onto campus.  So, I said, ‘You might as well give it a try,’” Zieniewicz remembers. “I did the training. I like talking to people, and I think I thought it was going be a good opportunity.”

Once inside the phone room door, a MIPO staffer saw Liz’s talent and potential and nudged a reluctant Zieniewicz to apply for a supervisor position at the end of her freshman year.

“I was iffy about going for the supervisory position at first, ’cause, I was like, ‘I don’t know if I can do it or should do it,” Liz explains and goes on to say,  “I’m not a political science major.  I was like, ‘Why would they want a business major as a supervisor?’”

However, Zieniewicz soon discovered her chosen course of study was not a factor in the hiring process.  She got the job.  And, today, she credits that experience with helping her round out her professional and interpersonal skills.

“I think it’s made me more outgoing with having to talk to others and tell them…the pros and cons of what they are doing while they are in an interview and asking respondents questions,” she notes.  “You can’t always be positive about things, but you have to be critical yet keep the positive intertwined with them.”

A determined Zieniewicz went even further at MIPO.  She became Poll Assistant.  In that role, which the senior says she “absolutely loved,” Zieniewicz got a more in-depth, behind the scenes look at the polling process.  And, for her four years of faithful service, Zieniewicz has joined the ranks of Marist College students who have been awarded The Marist Poll’s highest honor — The MIPO Excellence Award.  It is an honor she doesn’t take lightly.

“It obviously did mean a lot to me just because over the last four years….I’ve really put in a lot of time and effort and just to be recognized for that really means a lot especially since I was given this opportunity,” says a teary-eyed Zienewiecz, “And, to see that it’s all paid back…It’s given me a lot more.  So, to even be recognized for having this position, it means a lot.  I’m going to miss this place.”

And, The Marist Poll will miss her, too.

“Liz’s work ethic, determination, academic record, and her pleasant demeanor made her an exceptional role model and a pleasure to work with,” states Marist Poll Director Barbara Carvalho, “We are extremely grateful to Liz for her service and know she has the talent and ability to be successful in her future endeavors.”

So, just what is next for Zieniewicz?  The Seaford native will return to her Long Island roots and put her degree in Business Administration to good use.  After a brief, six week respite, Zieniewicz will begin a training program with Target Corporation.  Once up to speed, she will then take custody of a Target store in Suffolk County as its manager.

But no matter, where life takes Zieniewicz, she will always have fond memories of her years at The Marist Poll and will hold dear her most memorable interview.

“Going into my first interview, I was so nervous…At the end of the first survey, I remember this, [the respondent] was like, ‘How long have you been doing this?’ And, I was like, ‘Actually this is my first night,’ and he said, ‘Well, I just want to say that you did an awesome job,” an exuberant Zieniewicz recounts, “I was like, ‘Wow!’  That made me feel so good especially since it was my first one.”

Now that Zieniewicz has made her last call as a student employee at MIPO, she has some parting advice for any student interested in joining The Marist Poll team.

“Keep an open mind.  Don’t let anyone get you down…Just keep up with it,” she says.

And, what about for the incoming class of 2013?

“Enjoy it.  It will fly by,” Zieniewicz states wistfully, “I know.  Everyone says that, but enjoy every single minute of it.”

A $2 Bet May Pay Off on Gillibrand

What’s worse than being an appointed senator, selected by an unelected governor?  Perhaps, it’s being an appointed senator, selected by a very unpopular, unelected governor.  Want to turn the crank again?  How about an appointed senator, selected by a very unpopular, unelected governor following a messy selection process…and you can throw in Caroline Kennedy, pro-gun control views, and Upstate New York status for extra effect. Doesn’t this spell political trouble?

The latest Marist Poll of New Yorkers confirms how all this translates electorally.  Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s approval rating is rock bottom at 19%.  How have things changed since she relocated from the House to the Senate?  Not much.  In Marist’s March Poll, 18% liked the job Senator Gillibrand was doing.  As her “unsures” dropped from 50% then to 43% in Marist’s May survey, her approval rating clearly did not materially improve.

Should Senator Gillibrand be discounted from the  2010 senatorial horserace?  Not by any means.  Odds may be long but she has a better chance than the 50 to 1 upset winner in the Kentucky Derby and certainly, a filly wining the Preakness for the first time since 1924 cannot be overlooked.  Here’s why.

If you allow me one more equestrian metaphor, reference the Breeder’s Guide.  Gillibrand is no political novice.  She has strong ties to the Albany political machine.  Also, she demonstrated excellent vote getting ability in winning a congressional seat in territory typically hostile to Democrats…and then was re-elected overwhelmingly.  She’s a proven fund-raiser…with a high energy campaigning style.  Senator Schumer is firmly in her corner.  Former President Bill Clinton has held a fund-raiser for her.  The White House has convinced one of her potential primary opponents, Congressman Steve Israel, to rethink his 2010 plans.  Manhattan Borough President  Scott Stringer has also decided not to throw his hat into the ring.  She has garnered the endorsement of NARAL.  Most importantly, in this very blue state, no GOPer has stepped forward despite poll numbers that are encouraging to former Governor George Pataki.

So, what should be Senator Gillibrand’s biggest fear to winning this seat in her own right?  A primary challenge from the left could disrupt her plans.  But, it appears that individual must come to the table with mega-bucks.  Traditional fund-raising doors may already be closing for such an effort.

5/13: Bloomberg’s Approval Up 7 Percentage Points

Are things looking up for New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg? His job approval rating has had a bit of a bump. 59% of registered New York City voters say Mayor Bloomberg is doing either an excellent or good job in office while 39% describe his performance as fair or poor. In The Marist Poll’s February survey, Bloomberg’s job performance was at 52% — his lowest approval rating since June 2005. Just four months prior to that survey, the mayor enjoyed kudos from 68% of the city’s electorate.

There is little difference in opinion among Democrats and Republicans. 58% of Democrats and 57% of Republicans currently say they are pleased with Mayor Mike’s job performance. Even more non-enrolled voters share this view. 68% of these voters report Bloomberg is doing either an excellent or good job in office.

Voters are also more positive about the status of the city. More than half of the electorate — 53% –thinks New York City is headed in the right direction while 40% report it’s moving down the wrong path. That’s a turnaround, though, from Marist’s February survey when 49% of voters thought the city was marching in the wrong direction, and only 37% of the electorate believed it was right on track.

Table: Bloomberg Approval Rating
Table: NYC Direction

No Runs, No Hits, No Errors…Bloomberg’s Image Intact

When it comes to Mayor Bloomberg’s image, most voters say, “I like Mike.” In fact, 81% think the mayor rolls up his sleeves and works hard for New York City, 73% believe he understands the problems facing the city, and a similar proportion calls Bloomberg “a good leader for New York.” However, Bloomberg’s marks drop when it comes to his image as a caring mayor. Just half of the city’s electorate thinks Bloomberg is a mayor who cares about the average New Yorker. Overall, Mayor Bloomberg’s image has changed little since The Marist Poll’s February survey.

Table: Bloomberg Working Hard As Mayor
Table: Understands the Problems Facing New York City
Table: Is a Good Leader for New York City
Table: Cares About People Like You

Bloomberg Makes Inroads on Education…Mixed Bag on Other Issues

As debate swirls over whether Mayor Bloomberg should remain in control of New York City’s public schools, voters’ opinions toward the mayor’s handling of the school system have improved. A slim majority — 51% — report they approve of Bloomberg’s methods while 41% disapprove. In Marist’s February survey, just the opposite was the case. At that time 40% approved of his handling of education, and 52% disapproved.

Mayor Bloomberg has also earned points on his handling of crime and the economic crisis. Looking at crime, most voters citywide — 78% — agree with how Bloomberg is dealing with the issue. And, with the economic crisis looming over the city, how does Bloomberg’s approach to handling it fare? Half of the electorate thinks he’s doing a good job. On both crime and the economic crisis, Bloomberg has received a seven percentage point increase since February.

What do voters think of the mayor’s handling of the city budget? Compared with three months ago, Bloomberg has managed to sway the opinions of slightly more voters. Just less than half of the electorate — 49% — currently approve of Bloomberg’s approach toward the budget while 44% disapprove. The electorate was dead even in February when 46% approved and 46% disapproved.

Taxes and public transportation, however, are a different story. Little has changed in voters’ impressions of how Bloomberg is doing on these issues. A majority — 53% — disapprove of Bloomberg’s tax policy while 41% approve. Voters voice similar concern about the mayor’s approach to public transportation.

Mayor Bloomberg recently had a new issue to handle — an outbreak of the H1N1 flu commonly known as swine flu in New York City. How did he do? Nearly three quarters of the electorate — 74% — approve of how he dealt with the crisis.

Table: Bloomberg on Public Schools
Table: Bloomberg on Crime
Table: Bloomberg on Economic Crisis
Table: Bloomberg on the City’s Budget
Table: Bloomberg on Taxes
Table: Bloomberg on Public Transportation
Table: Bloomberg on H1N1 Flu

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories:

5/13: Campaign 2009: Is Change In the Air?

5/13: Six In Ten Want Schools Out of Bloomberg’s Hands

5/13: Talking Taxes…Majority Opposes Proposed Sales Tax Increase

Complete May 13, 2009 NYC Poll Release and Tables

5/13: Campaign ‘09: Change in the Air?

The winds of change may have weakened in New York City.  The electorate now divides over whether Mayor Michael Bloomberg deserves to be re-elected.  47% say that he should receive a third term while 48% say, “No.”

This is potentially good news for the mayor.  In The Marist Poll’s February survey, a majority — 55% — said it was time to give someone else a turn as mayor while 40% wanted to see Bloomberg remain in City Hall.

Table: Bloomberg Re-election

Bloomberg Hovers at 50% Mark in Hypothetical Matchups

If this year’s mayoral race were held today, Mayor Bloomberg would win a third term.  However, there is a large gap between Bloomberg’s job approval rating — 59% — and the proportion of electoral support he would receive when pitted against hypothetical opponents.  Here are some of the scenarios:

• When stacked up against Democratic Congressman Anthony Weiner, Bloomberg leads by a wide margin.  However, Bloomberg hovers right at the mid-point.  Half of city voters say they would cast their ballot for Bloomberg while 36% report they would vote for Weiner.  14% are undecided.  Furthermore, Bloomberg’s support remains relatively unchanged since The Marist Poll’s February survey.

• Looking at a face-off against Democratic City Comptroller Bill Thompson, Bloomberg maintains a commanding lead.  But still, the mayor garners only a slim majority of support.  Currently, 51% would back Bloomberg, 33% would support Thompson, and 16% are unsure about the candidate for whom they would cast their ballot.  In February, Bloomberg had the support of 53% of city voters, Thompson garnered 36%, and 11% of the electorate was unsure.

• How does Bloomberg fare against Democratic City Council Member Tony Avella?  Bloomberg would beat Avella by 25 percentage points, 52% to 27%.  In that matchup, 21% of registered voters are unsure.  However, Bloomberg has lost some support, and more voters are unsure than in February.  At that time, 57% of voters backed Bloomberg while 30% supported Avella.  Just 13% reported they were unsure.

Table: Bloomberg/Weiner 2009 Matchup
Table: Bloomberg/Thompson 2009 Matchup
Table: Bloomberg/Avella 2009 Matchup

Weiner: Would-be Democratic Candidate for Mayor?

So, who do New York City Democrats want to challenge Mayor Bloomberg this fall?  Congressman Anthony Weiner edges out Comptroller Bill Thompson.  If the 2009 Democratic primary were held today, Weiner would receive 34% while Thompson would garner 29%.  Council Member Tony Avella is a distant third with 8% of Democrats’ support.  A notable proportion of Democrats — 29% — remain unsure.  When Marist College last asked this question, Weiner had an 8 percentage point lead over Thompson — 38% to 30%.  9% of Democrats said they would vote for Avella, and 23% reported they were unsure.

Table: 2009 Democratic Primary Tossup

Short Odds on Bloomberg…Voters Indifferent About Campaign Spending

The New York City electorate believes victory will be a walk in the park for Mayor Bloomberg.  Regardless of whom they plan to support, 73% say they think Bloomberg will be re-elected while 18% believe otherwise.

And, New York City voters are indifferent about the amount of money the mayor plans to spend on his campaign.  Mayor Bloomberg has said that he will spend millions of his own money on his bid for a third term as he did for his previous campaigns. New York City voters don’t really seem to care.  73% report it will not affect their vote while 11% say Bloomberg’s spending will increase the likelihood they will vote for him.  16% think it will make them less likely to support the mayor.  The proportion of voters who think Bloomberg’s campaign spending is immaterial was 65% in February.

Table: Will Bloomberg be Re-elected?
Table: Bloomberg Campaign Finance

Going Green for Public Advocate?

If this year’s Democratic primary for New York City’s Public Advocate were held today, former New York City Public Advocate Mark Green would beat his competition with 42% of the vote, eliminating the need for a runoff.  Civil Rights Lawyer Norman Siegel would come in a distant second with 15% of the vote, and City Council Members Bill de Blasio and Eric Gioia would take home 9% and 4%, respectively.  Three in ten Democratic voters are unsure.  Green has widened his lead by 7 percentage points since February.

Table: Public Advocate Tossup

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories:

5/13: Bloomberg’s Approval Up 7 Percentage Points…Voters More Positive About Direction of NYC

5/13: Six In Ten Want Schools Out of Bloomberg’s Hands

5/13: Talking Taxes…Majority Opposes Proposed Sales Tax Increase

Complete May 13, 2009 NYC Poll Release and Tables

5/13: 6 In 10 Want Schools Out of Bloomberg’s Hands

Although 51% of registered voters in New York City approve of the way Mayor Michael Bloomberg is handling the city’s public schools, six in ten believe the mayor should no longer run the city’s school system.  Instead, they think the responsibility should be given to a citywide panel.  32% of voters, on the other hand, want the power to remain with Bloomberg.

So, does this mean voters think the quality of New York City’s public schools has gotten worse?  Not necessarily.  Compared with the proportion who thinks the schools have taken a turn for the worse, a larger proportion believes the schools have improved.  36% report the schools are on an upswing while 20% say they have deteriorated since Bloomberg has been mayor.  A third — 33% — say the quality has remained about the same during his tenure.

Table: Bloomberg on Public Schools
Table: Control of Public Schools
Table: Quality of Public Schools

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories:

5/13: Bloomberg’s Approval Up 7 Percentage Points…Voters More Positive About Direction of NYC

5/13: Campaign 2009: Is Change In the Air?

5/13: Talking Taxes…Majority Opposes Proposed Sales Tax Increase

Complete May 13, 2009 NYC Poll Release and Tables

5/13: Majority Opposes Sales Tax Hike

A majority — 53% — of registered New York City voters disapprove of Mayor Michael Bloomberg’s proposal to increase the city’s sales tax to 8.875% while 42% approve of the idea to increase city revenues this way.

However, when explained to voters that Mayor Bloomberg says his proposal to hike the city’s sales tax half a percent is not ideal but is a solution to avoid additional spending cuts in the city’s budget and reduce the number of layoffs, slightly more — 46% — support the idea.  This compares with 49% of the electorate that agrees with Mayor Bloomberg’s opponents who argue the proposal is not a solution since it will burden the low and middle classes.

City voters also stand strong in their opposition to Mayor Bloomberg’s proposal to reinstate the city’s sales tax on clothing. 59% disapprove of the idea while 38% approve.

Overall, 53% of registered New York City voters report they disapprove of Mayor Bloomberg’s tax policy.  But, when faced with a choice, 43% of New York City voters say they would prefer the mayor raise taxes to cutting programs and services.  In contrast, 39% would rather see cuts than a greater tax burden.  18% can’t decide.

Table: Raise Sales Tax
Table: City Sales Tax Proposal: A Solution?
Table: Clothing Sales Tax
Table: Bloomberg on Taxes
Table: Balance City Budget

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories:

5/13: Bloomberg’s Approval Up 7 Percentage Points…Voters More Positive About Direction of NYC

5/13: Campaign 2009: Is Change In the Air?

5/13: Six In Ten Want Schools Out of Bloomberg’s Hands

Complete May 13, 2009 NYC Poll Release and Tables

5/4: Paterson Approval Rating: Scraping Bottom?

How low can New York Governor David Paterson’s job approval rating go? Based on the latest Marist Poll numbers, it can still go lower, but not by much! Not quite one-fifth of New York registered voters statewide — 19% — report that Governor David Paterson is doing either an excellent or good job in office. That is a seven percentage point drop since The Marist Poll last asked this question in its March 2009 survey. In fact, voters are so dissatisfied with the governor’s performance that a majority — 51% — say they would prefer his sex scandal-plagued predecessor, Eliot Spitzer, be in office than he. On both questions, Paterson doesn’t even receive backing from a majority of voters in his own party. Just 22% of Democrats think he is doing well as governor, and half say, “Resurrect Spitzer!”

Table: Paterson’s Approval Rating
Table: Rather Have as Governor

Paterson’s Image Takes a Hit
Is there a silver lining for Governor Paterson? Well, 66% of registered voters across the state believe he is working hard as governor. However, that, too, is a drop from Marist’s March 2009 poll when 77% of the state’s electorate thought he was toiling away for New York. But, that’s where the praise for Paterson ends. 66% of voters say he does not have what it takes to lead the state while just 28% think he is a good leader. Paterson fares a little better on whether he understands the problems facing the state, but he still does not receive majority support from voters. In fact, with 48% reporting that the governor just doesn’t get the critical issues facing New York and 47% saying he does, the electorate is divided.

Looking at one of the most pressing problems in New York State – the economic crisis – 68% of the electorate disapproves of how Paterson is handling the situation, and 23% approve. Voters also do not believe Governor Paterson is a man for all New Yorkers. Nearly six in ten voters — 58% — report he does not represent all regions of the state while 34% think he does. And, when you zoom into Albany, a whopping 71% believe the governor is not changing daily, political operations for the better. David Paterson isn’t even viewed by a majority of the electorate as a governor who cares about the average person. 51% think he is not in tune with the needs of people like them compared with 42% who think the opposite is true. On all of these questions, public opinion was far more positive for Governor Paterson in The Marist Poll’s March 2009 survey.

There is a new issue on Governor Paterson’s plate – the swine flu outbreak. How do voters think he is handling this health concern? 46% approve of his management, and 18% disapprove. 36% are unsure.

Table: Paterson is Working Hard As Governor
Table: Paterson is a Good Leader for NYS
Table: Paterson Understands the Problems Facing NYS
Table: Paterson Handling Economic Crisis
Table: Paterson Represents All Regions of the State
Table: Paterson Is Changing the Way Things Work In Albany for the Better
Table: Paterson Cares About People Like You
Table: Paterson Handling Swine Flu Outbreak

Turn This Ship Around: Nearly Seven In Ten Think NYS Moving In Wrong Direction

Registered voters in New York State are pessimistic about the direction of the state. 67% report the state is moving along the wrong path while 27% say the Empire State is right on track. These findings are comparable to those in Marist’s March 2009 survey.

Table: NYS Direction Table

Marist Poll Methodology

Related Stories:

5/4: Dismal Outlook for Paterson in 2010 Election

5/4: Gillibrand Needs to Make Positive Inroads with NY Electorate

5/4: Schumer’s Job Approval Rating: Rock Solid?

5/4: Cuomo: Top-Rated NY Politician

5/4: DiNapoli Holds Firm…36% Unsure How to Rate Him

5/4: Obama…On a Roll With New York Voters

The Marist Poll’s Lee Miringoff says Paterson might have to do something dramatic to reverse his plummeting popularity:

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