Clinton Has Big Lead Over Dole In New York

ALBANY, N.Y. (AllPolitics, March 27) -- President Bill Clinton would soundly beat Sen. Robert Dole (R-Kan.) in New York if the election were held now, according to a new survey. That's true even if retired Gen. Colin Powell were Dole's choice for running mate. [Dole & Whitman]

Head to head, Clinton leads Dole 59 percent to 34 percent, with seven percent undecided. A Dole-Powell ticket changes those numbers to 53 percent and 40 percent, respectively. If New Jersey Gov. Christine Todd Whitman runs with Dole, Clinton wins 56 to 35 percent, according to the poll. Clinton's job approval is at 52 percent, an eight-point jump since last September.

"Anyway you look at the numbers, Clinton is strong in New York," Marist College pollster Lee Miringoff told the Associated Press. Conducted March 20-21, the telephone survey of 597 registered voters had a margin of error of +/- 4 percent. It did not take into account the possible Green Party candidacy of Ralph Nader, who would probably draw from Clinton's base.

The Empire State, with 33 electoral votes, is a must-win state for the Clinton-Gore ticket, according to political analysts.

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