Poll: NYers Like Gillibrand Pick But Want 2010 Primary

Most New York voters approve of Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand’s (D) rise to the upper chamber, but they still want her to face a primary in 2010, according to a Siena College poll.

A slim majority — 51 percent — approve of Gillibrand’s appointment to the vacant Senate seat, while just 28 percent disapprove. Many New York voters have yet to form an opinion of her, as just 30 percent give her a favorable rating and 13 percent give her an unfavorable rating.

When Democratic voters were asked about the Senate race in 2010, 63 percent said they would like to see another Democrat challenge Gillibrand, known as a centrist, for the party’s nomination. Just 21 percent said they’re ready to vote for Gillibrand to complete the remainder of former Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton’s (D) term. Among those Gillibrand supporters, more are Republicans than are Democrats.