A Marist College Poll released today shows that 62 percent of New York voters say the Obama administration was wrong to suggest that Gov. David Paterson (D) opt out of the 2010 gubernatorial race.

The White House made it clear earlier this week that, given his anemic poll numbers, Paterson should stand aside and let a stronger candidate run. Only 27 perent said the administration was right to get involved.

But at the same time, by a 63-25 percent margin, voters also said they don't want Paterson to run next year. His approval rating, according to Marist, is "at an all time low." Only 17 percent said he is doing "either an excellent or good job in office, while a whopping 44 percent say is performing poorly."

In the New York Senate race, a hypothetical matchup between appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D) and Rudy Giuliani (R) shows the former NYC mayor with a 51-40 percent lead. Gillibrand also trails ex-Gov. George Pataki (R) by a 45-41 percent margin. Neither Republican has announced a Senate candidac, but the New York Post reported on Tuesday that Pataki hasn't ruled it out.

For better or worse, the people of this state know me pretty well," Pataki said. "So if I am going to make a decision at some point to again enter the elected arena, I could do it a lot further down the road."

Pataki added, "It's flattering that people are asking me to run for things."

Tags: On The Ballot