(RTTNews) - New polling data on the New York governor's race suggests that Republican Carl Paladino has cut into Democratic candidate Andrew Cuomo's seemingly insurmountable lead, just weeks before the November election.
Cuomo still enjoys a considerable 51-37 lead over the controversial Buffalo businessman, according to a poll conducted by Rasmussen Reports, a conservative-leaning research group.
Five percent like some other candidate in the race, and six percent are undecided.
Earlier this week, a survey by Siena Research showed Paladino trailing Cuomo by 30 points, with Paladino losing momentum due to fallout from a series of missteps on the campaign trail.
Earlier this month, Paladino veered from his message of fiscal reform to make comments seen as critical of gays. In September, he said he would "take out" a New York newsman for sending photographers to capture images of Paladino's family.
Paladino "came out swinging last month following his primary win, but he still trails Democratic state Attorney General Andrew Cuomo by a wide margin in the New York governor's race," said Rasmussen.
The research firm suggested that Paladino's "hardball tactics" haven't made him a popular candidate.
Just 39% of all voters in the state view him favorably, while 58% hold an unfavorable opinion of the GOP candidate, according to Rasmussen. Cuomo, by contrast, is viewed favorably by 57% and unfavorably by 41%
This statewide telephone survey of 500 Likely Voters in New York was conducted on October 19, 2010.
Earlier this week, Paladino and Cuomo were upstaged at the only scheduled governor's debate, as fringe candidates like Jimmie McMillan of the Rent Is Too Damn High Party stole the show with a number of bizarre remarks.
Paladino has since challenged Cuomo to a one-on-one debate in Buffalo. Cuomo has refused.
by RTT Staff Writer
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