Unlike the mayoral race, voters are deciding pretty fast about their preferred choice for Comptroller for New York City, and the race is not even close. With less than 4 weeks to go, Former Governor Eliot Spitzer is killing Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer with a commanding 19 point lead, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today. Spitzer tops Stringer 56 – 37 percent among likely Democratic primary voters in the race for New York City comptroller. Spitzer also leads 58 – 37 percent among men, 54 – 36 percent among women and 68 – 21 percent among black voters. Stringer leads Spitzer 53 – 43 percent among white voters.

With four weeks until the primary, 68 percent of Spitzer voters and 74 percent of Stringer voters say they definitely will vote for the candidate they name today.

“Everyone seems to be against former Gov. Eliot Spitzer except the voters, especially black voters,” said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “Spitzer is all over the TV screens, building on his better name recognition and leaving Manhattan Borough President Scott Stringer in the dust.”

Respondents were polled both before and after NY1’s city comptroller debate this past Monday.

During the debate, Mr. Stringer suggested voters should not give Mr. Spitzer a second chance because of the scandal that led to his resignation and his performance in the governor’s office. Mr. Stringer described Mr. Spitzer’s time as governor as a “colossal failure.”

The poll showed 57% of likely primary voters believe Mr. Spitzer’s resignation is a legitimate issue. However, only 23% of voters believe his behavior disqualifies him from consideration. 44% said it is an issue, but not a disqualifying one, while 32% believe that’s it’s not even an issues for consideration.

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)