September 16, 2009
9/16: Paterson’s Approval Rating at 20%
Governor David Paterson can’t catch a break from registered voters in New York State. Only one-fifth thinks he is performing well in office while 34% say he is doing a poor job. Paterson has had no luck climbing out of the political basement. In Marist’s June survey, the governor garnered a 21% approval rating. One month prior, he chalked up 19%.
Courtesy of New York State
The news for Governor Paterson gets even worse. When looking at party, he is even scraping bottom with his fellow Democrats. Just 24% of Democrats say he is doing well as governor. 12% of Republicans and 22% of non-enrolled voters agree.
Table: Paterson Approval Rating
Money Matters to NYS Voters…Two-Thirds Disapprove of Handling of Economic Crisis
If Governor Paterson has a redeeming quality with New York State voters, his fiscal prowess is not it. 66% say they disapprove of how Paterson is handling the economic crisis while just three in ten approve of his management. In June, 61% disapproved of his tactics while 31% approved.
The governor doesn’t fare much better on the budget. Currently, 68% disapprove of how he is handling the state’s budget, and 27% approve. Paterson has lost support on this issue. When Marist asked this question in March, 59% disapproved of his budgetary skills while 30% reported they approved.
Table: Paterson Handling Economic Crisis
Table: Paterson Handling Budget
“New Direction Needed,” Say New York Voters
The New York State electorate is not optimistic about the direction of the Empire State. 74% think the state is moving in the wrong direction while just 22% believe it is headed along the right path. Little has changed since Marist’s June survey when nearly identical proportions shared these views.
Related Stories:
9/16: Voters Say, “No Go,” for Paterson in 2010
9/16: Cuomo’s Approval Rating on Solid Ground
9/16: DiNapoli Approval Rating at 35%…Still Needs to Make Inroads
Complete Sept. 16, 2009 NYS Poll Release and Tables
The Marist Poll’s Lee Miringoff discusses how the next gubernatorial race could be shaping up: