Poll: Republicans like Gillibrand pick more than Dems

A new poll suggests Republicans in New York are happier
than Democrats with the selection of Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) as the state’s next
senator — a fact that could forestall primary peril for the centrist lawmaker.

More than half – 56 percent – of Republicans approved of
the appointment, while just 27 percent disapproved. Meanwhile, slightly more Democrats approved than
disapproved, by a 41-to-35 margin.

{mosads}Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D) is reportedly gearing up for a
primary challenge to Gillibrand in 2010, citing Gillibrand’s support from the
National Rifle Association (NRA).

The party establishment is behind Gillibrand, but
McCarthy is a popular congresswoman from Long Island, while Gillibrand is from
upstate. The New York City area generally determines statewide races in the
Democratic primary.

Upstaters approved of the appointment 55 percent-to-25
percent, while New Yorkers approved 41-34.

Gillibrand remains very unknown, though, with just 35
percent of voters forming an opinion of her. One-quarter of voters thought
favorably of her, while 10 percent viewed her negatively.

The poll sampled more than 1,000 voters between Friday
and Saturday.

This story was updated at 8:54 a.m.