A PPP poll released today shows that 44% of New York Democrats favor Caroline Kennedy to be appointed to Hillary Clinton's (and formerly her uncle's) Senate seat. Kennedy's closest competition is Atty. Gen. Andrew Cuomo (23%), followed by Reps. Kirsten Gillibrand (6%), Brian Higgins (5%) and Nydia Velazquez (4%).

Choosing Clinton's replacement is Gov. David Paterson, who incidentally filled in for a resigned office holder earlier this year. Any talk that Paterson would appoint someone to the Senate to avoid a challenge from that person (Cuomo) for his re-election to the governorship is likely muted now: A PPP poll out today shows Paterson's approval rating among Democrats at 68%, with only 9% disapproving.

**UPDATE**
A Marist College poll released today shows 31% of New York Democrats favor Kennedy to take over Clinton's Senate seat, with 21% choosing Cuomo. Among registered voters of any party, however, the two are tied with 25% each.

Both potential appointees are viewed favorably by a majority of New Yorkers. Among all registered voters, 64% have a favorable impression of Cuomo, and 62% view Kennedy favorably.