You Really Like Me!

A poll from the Siena Research Institute that was released on Monday reveals that Gov. Andrew Cuomo has a 70 percent positive rating among New Yorkers and that 66 percent of voters in the state trust the new governor to do the right thing.
“After two weeks as Governor, Cuomo’s honeymoon is in full swing, as he gets strong marks from voters by every measure. For the first time in more than a year, 70 percent of voters have a favorable view of Cuomo, while only 17 percent view him unfavorably, the lowest since August 2009. He is viewed favorably by 78 percent of Democrats and 60 percent of Republicans; 73 percent of downstaters and 65 percent of upstaters; and even 53 percent of conservatives,” said Siena College pollster Steven Greenberg. “A plurality of voters, 44 percent, says he’s doing an excellent or good job as governor, compared to 28 percent who say he’s doing a fair or poor job.
Cuomo's ratings represent a stark contrast with the state's view of the state senate, which is viewed positively by 33 percent of New Yorkers, and the assembly, which is viewed positively by 29 percent of the state.
Part of Cuomo's strength lies in the perception held by a majority of New Yorkers that he is a moderate political figure. This label is not likely to last very long, though, as Cuomo is it is a product of his limited actions as governor. Give him time and he'll be viewed as just another liberal by people he angers.
So far his actions, which have been primarily symbolic have been well received. People apparently like his metaphorical openness and see meaning in his five percent executive chamber budget cut.
“Symbolism matters. By a better than two-to-one margin, voters agree with Cuomo’s decision to reduce his and his staff’s pay by five percent. They call it a good example, not grandstanding. At least two-thirds of voters from every region and party concur,” Greenberg said. “And nearly half of voters – including a majority of Democrats, women and downstaters – believe that in one year Cuomo will have succeeded in making Albany considerably less dysfunctional and getting Republicans and Democrats to work better together. However, a nearly equal number, 46 percent, think that Albany will still be way too dysfunctional, despite Cuomo’s good intentions.”