September 17, 2009

9/17: Gillibrand Gains Name Recognition, But for the Better?

The good news for Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is more voters in New York are familiar with what she is doing in the U.S. Senate. The bad news, however, is that it all doesn’t translate into a higher job approval rating.

Kirsten Gillibrand

26% of the statewide electorate view Gillibrand as doing an excellent or good job in office, and 9% believe she is performing poorly. 27% are not sure how to rate her. In Marist’s July survey, a similar proportion — 24% — gave Gillibrand a thumbs-up, 13% thought she was doing poorly in office, and 33% weren’t quite sure how to answer the question. This adds up to a bump in Gillibrand’s fair rating since July.

Table: Gillibrand Approval Rating
Click here for Complete September 17, 2009 NYS Poll Release and Tables

Gillibrand Loses Edge Against Pataki in Hypothetical Matchup

Time is ticking away to next year’s election for U.S. Senate in New York. And, there could be some cause for concern for Senator Gillibrand’s camp. When pitted against former New York Governor George Pataki, Pataki edges Gillibrand 48% to 44%. The tides have turned against Gillibrand over the last couple of months. In July, Gillibrand had 46% to Pataki’s 42%.

While Gillibrand maintains a similar degree of support among Democrats, more Republicans and non-enrolled voters have thrown their support behind Pataki. Currently, 71% of the GOP say they would vote for Pataki while 21% would back Gillibrand. In July, 63% reported they would support Pataki. 27% would do the same for Gillibrand. Looking at non-enrolled voters, half are behind Pataki while 42% support Gillibrand. Two months ago, they were divided, 45% for Gillibrand and 42% for Pataki.

Table: 2010 Gillibrand/Pataki Matchup

Marist Poll Methodology

9/17: Resurrect Spitzer? “No Way,” Say Nearly Seven in Ten

The Marist Poll’s Lee Miringoff discusses Gillibrand’s approval rating: