| A new Q Poll out this morning shows that New Yorkers support Governor Paterson's recent move to have New York state government recognize and honor same sex marriages performed out of state, though they do think it should have been the legislature's job to make it happen. Honestly, I agree. It really should have been the legislature's job, but in the absence of them doing anything about it, (Bruno punting on the ME bill passed by the Assembly last year comes to mind) Paterson had to step in. It was the right thing to do.
New York Voters Back Gov On Gay Marriage, Quinnipiac University Poll Finds; Paterson Approval Up, But Bloomberg Leads Gov Race
New York State voters support 53 - 40 percent Gov. David Paterson's order to state agencies to recognize same-sex marriages performed outside New York, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. But voters say 55 - 30 percent that this issue should have been decided by the State Legislature, not the Governor.
Democrats support the Governor's gay marriage order 64 - 30 percent, as do independent voters 56 - 37 percent, while Republicans oppose it 57 - 37 percent, the independent Quinnipiac University poll finds.
When New York State voters are given three choices on the gay marriage union:
* 42 percent say same-sex couples should be allowed to legally marry;
* 31 percent say these couples should be allowed to form civil unions, but not marry;
* 21 percent say there should be no legal recognition of same-sex unions.
There is a significant gender split, with 48 percent of women and 34 percent of men supporting same-sex marriage. A total of 63 percent of Republicans, 80 percent of Democrats and 75 percent of independent voters support either same-sex marriage or civil unions.
The poll also finds that Paterson's job approval rating is up, though he needs to work on those re-elect numbers as he's trailing both Bloomberg and (gulp) Rudy Giuliani when New Yorkers are asked who they want to see elected in 2010.
New York State voters approve 56 - 17 percent of the job Gov. Paterson is doing and say 67 - 20 percent that he will be able to govern effectively. Voters also say 51 - 34 percent that Paterson will be able to restore trust and confidence in state government.
This compares to a 50 - 10 percent approval rating, with 39 percent undecided, in an April 17 Quinnipiac University poll, one month after Gov. Paterson took office.
But when New York voters are asked who they want to see elected Governor in 2010:
* 30 percent name New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg;
* 26 percent name former New York city Mayor Rudolph Giuliani;
* 23 percent want Gov. Paterson reelected;
* 15 percent want State Attorney General Andrew Cuomo.
All in all, good news for the Governor as well as for the future of Marriage Equality in the Empire State. |
