New York voters are beginning to lighten up on Gov. David Paterson (D), whose favorable rating jumped to 38% this month after being sub-30% since May, according to a new Quinnipiac poll. Likewise, a new Siena survey finds Paterson's favorable rating at 36% -- the highest point since July.

However, Democrats don't like Paterson enough to improve his standing against Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, who continues to lead Paterson by more than 30 points in the Democratic primary in both polls. And Siena finds 65% say they would prefer someone else over Paterson to serve as governor after the 2010 election.

New York Governor's Race
Quinnipiac
Democratic Primary
Paterson 23 (+4 vs. last poll, Oct. 15)
Cuomo 60 (-1)
Und 16 (-1)

General Election
Paterson 41 - Lazio 37 - Und 16
Cuomo 62 - Lazio 22 - Und 14

Siena
Democratic Primary
Cuomo 67 (-8 vs. last poll, Nov.)
Paterson 23 (+7)
Und 10 (+2)

General Election
Paterson 42 - Lazio 40 - Und 18
Cuomo 68 - Lazio 22 - Und 10

In the race for the U.S. Senate seat in New York, recent reports say former Tennessee Rep. Harold Ford Jr. may be contemplating a run against appointed Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.), whom around half of voters in both polls say they still don't know enough about to form an opinion.

Also said to be mulling a bid is Bill Thompson, who recently lost the New York mayoral race. Both polls find Thompson to be competitive in the Democratic primary, and the Quinnipiac poll even has Thompson in the lead. However, Rudy Giuliani leads both Democrats in potential general election matchups.

New York Senate Race
Quinnipiac
Democratic Primary
Thompson 41
Gillibrand 28
Und 28

General Election
Giuliani 50 - Gillibrand 40 - Und 8

Giuliani 52 - Thompson 36 - Und 9

Siena
Democratic Primary
Gillibrand 34
Thompson 23
Ford 7
Tasini 3
Und 35

General Election
Giuliani 49 - Gillibrand 42
Giuliani 56 - Thompson 34
Gillibrand 46 - Pataki 43
Gillibrand 52 - Blakeman 22
Pataki 49 - Thompson 36
Thompson 40 - Blakeman 23

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