New York Legislature Get Low Numbers, Paterson Approval Up

The Siena College Research Poll surveyed 806 people, which overall gave a 2 to 1 unfavorable rating. The polls found that 60 percent of people would prefer “someone else” other than Gov. Paterson to take the governor's seat later this year. Only 21 percent said they would give Paterson another four-year term.

“Since October, Paterson has seen his favorable rating rise from 27 percent to 38 percent, while his unfavorable rating has fallen from 61 to 52 percent,” said Siena pollster Steven Greenberg. “That's the good news for the governor.”

New Yorkers said they approve of Gov. Paterson's proposals to put term limits and spending caps on state officials. However, 59 percent of people surveyed thought possible Democratic gubernatorial candidate Andrew Cuomo would be best fit to be governor over all the other candidates.

Against Republican candidates Rick Lazio and Chris Collins, Democrats fare much better. “Cuomo maintains 40 plus point leads over former Representative Rick Lazio and Erie County Executive Chris Collins ... and Paterson runs even with both,” said Greenberg.