Paterson's Poll Numbers Slipping ALBANY, NEW YORK (WXXI) - A new poll finds New Yorkers are generally pleased with Governor David Paterson's selection of Kirsten Gillibrand to the US Senate, but are not happy with the way the governor went about choosing a new Senator.

The Siena College poll finds that New Yorkers approve of Governor David Paterson's choice of upstate Congresswoman Kirsten Gillibrand by a two to one margin, at 51% to 28%. But most think Governor Paterson handled the selection process poorly.

"Voters are willing to give the new Senator, Kirsten Gillibrand a chance," said Siena's Steve Greenberg.

But Greenberg said there's "pretty much agreement across the board", though, that Paterson botched the selection process.

62% thought Paterson did a fair or poor job, in a process that included controversy over Caroline Kennedy's abrupt withdrawal from consideration. Just 27% thought the governor did a good job, and only 6% said his performance was excellent.

The governor's favorability rating dropped by six points in just one week, though it is still relatively high at 54%. More New Yorkers view the governor negatively, at 30%, than at any time since he took office nearly a year ago.

And the majority of those surveyed, 65%, say that next time there's a vacancy in a Senate seat, the law should be changed to hold a special election.


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