Watch CBS News

Poll: Commissioner Kelly Would Be A Game-Changer In Mayoral Race

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Police Commissioner Ray Kelly is not running for mayor, but one pollster said her survey shows voters would love for him to do so.

As WCBS 880's Rich Lamb reported Wednesday evening, Republican pollster Kellyanne Conway said her poll shows Kelly besting all the Republican competition – former Metropolitan Transportation Authority chief Joe Lhota, businessman John Catsimatidis, and Doe Fund founder George McDonald – as well as Democrats Christine Quinn and Bill Thompson, in a head-to-head contest.

Poll: Commissioner Kelly Would Be A Game-Changer In Mayoral Race

"He actually would be a game-changer, catapulted to front-runner status," Conway said. "Only 11 percent of New Yorkers don't know who he is, and among those who do, he has a 63 percent approval rating, to a 34 percent disapproval rating."

Kelly's is well-liked across the board, Conway said.

"He has a positive over negative image among all races, both genders, in all five boroughs, among Democrats, Republicans and independents," she said.

But Kelly has said repeatedly that he has no plans to run for mayor.

Former U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner was not yet in the race when Conway conducted the poll, which she said was paid for by an anonymous low-profile, but wealthy, businessman.

You may also be interested in these stories:

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.