7/9: Cuomo Outdistancing GOP Challenger Astorino

NBC 4 NY/WSJ/Marist New York State Poll

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New York State Governor Andrew Cuomo has a sizable lead over his Republican challenger, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino in this Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 NY/Marist Poll. Cuomo is advantaged by strong support from his Democratic base, in addition, to leading among independents and even attracting a notable proportion of Republicans.  Despite voters’ lingering concerns about the economy, Astorino has had difficulty getting traction.  A majority of voters do not have an opinion of him, and those who do, divide.  Governor Cuomo even outperforms his challenger among voters who see the state as still needing major changes or who see taxes or economic development as the top state priority.

“The combination of Cuomo’s standing and voters’ lack of familiarity with Astorino has resulted in a lopsided contest for governor in this Democratic state,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.  “Getting well known requires a lot of resources which will be more than matched by the governor’s war chest.”

Click Here for Complete July 9, 2014 Wall Street Journal/NBC 4 New York/Marist Poll Release and Tables

Poll Points

Voters’ Impressions of the Governor Account for Wide Lead

 63%, overall, say Cuomo is a good leader for NYS, and 60% believe he cares about the average person.

Economy Still Top Challenge

Voters point to a number of economic issues when asked about their top priority for the state.  Jobs, economic development, and taxes are three of the top four issues cited.  Education ranks second, overall.

  • Voters divide about whether the state is on track. (Trend) 47% believe it is on the right path, while 46% disagree. This is comparable to results seen in March.
  • 60% still believe the state remains in a recession although this is down from 65% four months ago. (Trend) Impressions about the economy have improved slightly in New York City and its suburbs, but there has been little change Upstate.
  • A sign that voters may be more optimistic about the state’s economic future is that 56% believe the worst of the economic slump has passed.  A majority of voters in all three regions of the state share this view.

For more analysis see Lee Miringoff’s blog, “Incumbent Cuomo Favored by Those Who Want Change.”

Marist Poll Methodology

Nature of the Sample and Complete Tables