September 24, 2009
9/24: Giuliani and Pataki with Edge in Gillibrand Matchup
If the Obama Administration is concerned about the 2010 elections in New York State, perhaps, there is good reason. In a Marist Poll earlier this month, Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s approval rating was 26% with more than a quarter of registered voters unsure how to rate her. When she is currently pitted against former Republican New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani in a hypothetical matchup for U.S. Senate, Gillibrand has some ground to gain. If the election were held today, Giuliani would win a slim majority of the electorate — 51% — to Gillibrand’s 40%.
Kirsten Gillibrand
Click Here for the Complete September 24, 2009 NYS Poll Release and Tables
While support does divide along party lines, nearly three in ten Democrats say they would support Republican challenger Giuliani. Currently, 62% of Democrats would back Gillibrand while 29% would support Giuliani. On the Republican side, 80% are behind Giuliani compared with 13% for Gillibrand. By a two-to-one margin, non-enrolled voters support Giuliani, 60% to Gillibrand’s 30%.
The picture for Gillibrand is somewhat, although not much, better when she faces off against former New York State Governor George Pataki. Pataki edges Gillibrand 45% to 41% among registered voters in New York State. In a Marist Poll earlier in September, Pataki received 48% of the electorate to Gillibrand’s 44%.
The parties break in support of their respective candidates. Among non-enrolled voters, Pataki is leading Gillibrand, but a notable proportion is undecided. 48% of these voters say they would support Pataki if the race were held today while 32% would back Gillibrand. 20% are unsure.
Table: 2010 Gillibrand/Giuliani Matchup
Table: 2010 Gillibrand/Pataki Matchup
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9/24: Obama Holds Onto Slim Majority in NYS…Approval Rating Slips