Latest Poll: Cuomo Has Wide Lead Over Paladino

ALBANY, N.Y. (AP) -- A new poll of registered voters in New York shows Democratic candidate for governor Andrew Cuomo with a 2-to-1 lead over Republican Carl Paladino.

The results released Thursday come one day after a poll of likely voters found a six-point spread between the candidates.

The Siena College poll found Cuomo favored by 57 percent, with 24 percent for Paladino. Rick Lazio, who may continue as a Conservative candidate, had 8 percent.

On Wednesday, a Quinnipiac University poll of New Yorkers considered likely to vote in November showed Cuomo with a 49 percent to 43 percent lead. Seven percent were undecided, and Lazio wasn't included.

Most polls question likely voters closer to election day because it is a more accurate measure than surveying registered voters, many of whom won't vote. A comparison of the polls is impossible because of the different methodologies.

Cuomo wouldn't comment. On Wednesday he was critical of the Quinnipiac poll, saying such surveys have to be taken "with a grain of salt.''

Paladino spokesman Michael Caputo criticized the Siena poll, saying that instead of asking likely voters, the pollster asked "anyone with a voter card.'' He said their internal polls show Paladino trails Cuomo by 9 or 10 points.

In Siena's poll, voters said Cuomo would do a better job on an array of issues from taxes to education. Since July, Cuomo's "favorable'' rating remained around 60 percent, while his "unfavorable'' rating rose to 31 percent, from 25 percent.

Meanwhile, Paladino's favorability rose to 32 percent, its highest level, from 16 percent in July. His unfavorable rating, however, rose about as much as voters heard more about him.

Siena questioned 801 voters last Thursday and Friday, shortly after Paladino's Sept. 14 win in the Republican primary, and from this Sunday through Tuesday. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 points.

(Copyright 2010 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)