Another Poll, Another Slide for Paterson

Gov. David Paterson's popularity continues to hit new depths as he enters his second year in office, a new poll out Monday shows.

The Siena College poll finds the Democrat viewed favorably by 29 percent of New York voters and unfavorably by 58 percent. That's worse than last month's ratings, his lowest since taking over after Eliot Spitzer resigned.

Just 19 percent of New Yorkers said they have a positive view of his job performance. Seventy-eight percent have a negative view.

And only 14 percent would vote to elect him in 2010.

Right now, Paterson would lose to either Democrat Andrew Cuomo or Republican Rudy Giuliani.

The dismal numbers released Monday come as Paterson needs support to negotiate a difficult budget with lawmakers.

The new week began with interesting reports from multiple outlets Monday. In one, some Democrats have secretly teamed with Paterson on a two-year tax increase on New Yorkers earning more than $500,000. The Post also reported that Paterson wants to raise the state sales tax from 4 percent to 4.5 percent.

And in Monday's Daily News, a "bombshell secret report" described Paterson's reign as Senate Minority Leader as having been riddled with "dysfunction and indecisiveness."
 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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