According to an exclusive NY1 poll, New York City voters aren’t quite sure what to think of their new senator Kirsten Gillibrand.

Thirty-four percent say they approve of Gillibrand, 36 percent disapprove, while 30 percent say their not sure or couldn’t answer.

According to the poll, the National Rifle Association’s endorsement of Gillibrand and her stance against gun control aren’t helping.

More than a third, 37 percent, said it made them less likely to support her, while 18 percent say it makes them more likely and 32 percent say it doesn’t make a difference.

While Governor David Paterson may be taking a beating in the press, his handling of the senate appointment isn’t badly hurting him with city voters.

The governor enjoys a whopping 65 percent approval rating in the city. Eighteen percent polled say they disapprove and 18 percent say they’re not sure or couldn’t answer.

A majority 51 percent says the governor’s handling of the senate appointment made no difference in their opinion of him. Still, of those who have changed their minds, twice as many now think less of him, 26 percent.

Also, 14 percent said they have a better opinion of him now and 10 percent said they weren’t sure or couldn’t answer.

Both Gillibrand and Paterson have almost two years before they’re up for election — a lot of time for Paterson to try to separate himself from the debacle.

Meanwhile, Gillibrand will have to spend a lot of time in the five boroughs and soften her stance on gun control if she wants to win over more voters downstate.

(Source: NY1)