| Governor David Paterson hasn't been able to get too much support in recent polls. But according to the Marist poll released today, New Yorkers do have his back against President Barack Obama.
The poll found that 62 percent of those surveyed did not support Obama's involvement in the governor's race. Only 27 percent believed it was the right thing to do. In a separate question, 60 percent believe the White House should not get involved in the primary even if it impacts other Democrats.
These facts from the poll are good indicators of where people are at on the White House's involvement.
Not surprisingly, Democrats are more worried about Paterson's impact on the 2010 Democratic ticket than are Republicans. Still, only 42% of Democrats agree with the White House based on this rationale, and 48% report the White House was incorrect in urging Paterson not to run. Looking across the aisle, 75% of Republicans overwhelmingly believe the Obama Administration overstepped its bounds while 18% think the move was a right one. Non-enrolled voters are more in line with Republicans on this issue. Regardless of the potential impact Paterson's run may have on other Democratic candidates, 68% report the White House's action was wrong while 21% think it was right.
Few New York State voters are surprised by the White House's interest in next year's New York State elections. Just 25% are surprised while 73% are not.
I am in the minority on this. I believe it was the right thing to do. I also think the interest in New York has a lot to do with Patrick Gaspard (a New Yorker) being the White House political director. If the political director was someone else from another state, there might not be such an interest in New York.
Paterson's approval rating didn't make any gains in the polls. His approval rating is at a new low for the Marist poll and is at 17 percent.
One final stat: 63 percent of voters don't want Paterson to run next year. That tells the story right there. Whether you agree with the President or not, you have to realize that he had a point. Paterson isn't the greatest candidate for governor at this point. |
