Gov. David Paterson (D) has just a 24 percent approval rating among New York Voters, his lowest mark ever in Quinnipiac's polling. Yet a clear majority of voters -- 61 percent -- say that he should finish out his term rather than resign. Only 31 percent say he should step down now, though the survey was conducted March 1 and 2, as more stories appeared about Paterson's alleged interference in a domestic violence case. Quinnipiac's Maurice Carroll says "there was a noticeable slip in support from the first night to the second night of the survey, after more damaging news came out and the National Organization for Women called for the Governor to step down."

Perhaps one reason that voters want Paterson to stay in office is that few know Richard Ravitch, the newly-appointed lieutenant governor, who would take his place. Nearly 4-in-5 state voters say they haven't heard enough about him to form an opinion. Asked who would more effectively run the state this year, 47 percent say Paterson while 29 percetn say Ravitch.

Looking to the man Democrats will turn to as their candidate this fall, Attorney General Andrew Cuomo (D) seems to be feeling no collateral damage. His approval rating is 70 percent, with high marks across all party lines. Asked who should handle an investigation of Paterson, 25 percent say Cuomo while 61 percent say a special prosecutor should be appointed.

--------------------------------------------
Follow the RCP Blog on Twitter.
Become a fan of RCP on Facebook.
--------------------------------------------