(CNN) – Before he’s even officially on the ballot, a snap poll shows shamed ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer is already edging out his potential Democratic rival in a primary contest for New York City comptroller.
The NBC 4/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll showed 42% of registered Democrats either supporting Spitzer or leaning toward supporting him.
Manhattan borough president Scott Stringer was at 33%. Another 24% of those surveyed had yet to decide on a comptroller candidate.
"I didn't take a poll to enter this race, and my policies and approach to this election will not be determined by polls," Spitzer said in a statement. "I am, however, gratified by these numbers, and look forward to continuing a conversation with the voters about the issues that matter most to them."
Spitzer resigned his role as the Empire State’s governor in 2008 after he was ensnared in a prostitution scandal, and remained out of politics until announcing Sunday he would seek the Democratic nomination for New York City’s top fiscal officer.
Stringer, who has served as borough president since 2006, had for months been the only Democrat in the field. Spitzer has until Thursday night to gather more than 3,700 signatures in order to secure a place on the ballot.
A primary is set for September 10.
In the poll, which was conducted on Monday and Tuesday, Spitzer has a slightly smaller advantage among women than he did among men – though he still edges out Stringer 40%-34% among female Democrats.
And while Spitzer’s unfavorable rating of 35% was nearly twice Stringer’s, a large chunk of voters – 43% - said they had either never heard of Stringer or were unsure of how they felt about him.
Asked to compare Spitzer’s scandal with that of another New York City politician hoping for a political comeback – former Rep. Anthony Weiner – 31% of those polled said Weiner’s scandal, which involved sending lewd photos to women online, was worse than Spitzer’s.
Twenty-nine percent found Spitzer’s use of prostitutes more offensive.
The NBC 4/Wall Street Journal/Marist poll was conducted by telephone from 1,213 adult New Yorkers, including 546 Democrats. The sampling error among Democrats was plus or minus 4.2 percentage points.
From CNN Politics
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Dumb people.
If Spitzer is the best person for the job, he deserves be elected. The same goes for Weiner.
Interesting that people find Weiner slightly more offensive. I guess it's the stupidity that ticks people off. If you're going to risk your career over sex, at least score, like Spitzer did. And Sanford, for that matter.
Anyhow, it's also interesting that politicians can now do whatever skanky things they want and still get a second act. I attribute this to the overall bloated decadence of the USA empire. Apathy tends to set in, in the later stages.
Biden/Spitzer '16! Why stop the foolishness now!
Why should I be offended by Eliot Spitzer's actions, esp. when there are active GOP politicians that have committed the same sins (a la David Vitter)?
Seriously, move along folks, nothing to see here.
Can't wait to hear these sanctumonious republicans raising hell about Spitzer when they jumped for joy about Sanford and you can hear a pin drop because no republicans have said a thing about Gov.McDonnell on ethics charges either...Choir boys I don't think so..Go Spitzer and Weiner,both can kick any republicans butts any time as politicians ...
Ex-Gov. Eliot Spitzer is a smart guy , look at the size of his head !
Anthony Weiner is smart too , and has a big head also .
It's all about the brains when it comes to politics !
he is no better than larry craig
He was well on his way to a Presidential run. VERY effective in his office. Good luck Eliot.
Spitzer is more qualified and a better candidate. Just hope he can keep his zipper up.
Why not. At least Spitzer is an intelligent man. If vitter with his pros never had to resign or the Appalachian/Argentina gov is now back in politics why not Spitzer.
NY the state of the WeinerSpitzer
Maybe A-Rod should join the race? That would be yet another person violating NY's trust in a race for a public seat. The John vs the Madam race is heating up.
Just goes to show how stupid some voters can be. This Gentlemen a former Attorney General broke the law. This is not a moral issue, he broke the law. And as a former AG, he knew that better than any one else. Yet now voters may put him in charge of the financial of the biggest city in the US, because I guess they not only value his financial judgement but his integrity.
Oh my the whole process is in trouble.