Cuomo Leads Kennedy Among N.Y. Voters in Poll

New York Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D), a possible Senate appointee, now has more support among his state’s voters than Caroline Kennedy in a Quinnipiac poll.

Cuomo gets the backing of 31 percent of voters while Kennedy receives just 24 percent, despite her overt campaigning for the Senate post.

Gov. David Paterson (D-N.Y.) must choose someone to replace Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton (D) once she is confirmed to become secretary of State.

Other possible appointees are far behind Cuomo and Kennedy in the poll. Rep. Carolyn Maloney received 6 percent, Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand got 5 percent and Rep. Steve Israel received 2 percent. Another 18 percent wanted someone else while 14 percent were undecided.

A plurality of voters — 48 percent — believe that Kennedy isn’t qualified to become senator. Just 38 percent believe she is qualified.