Poll: NYers favor Obama over GOP opponents

President Barack Obama's favorability and job-performance ratings continue to inch upward and, among New York voters, he now leads six potential Republican opponents by at least 25 points each, according to a new survey released Tuesday.

The Siena College poll found that Democrat Obama leads his strongest Republican challenger, former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney, 59 percent to 34 percent. He enjoys his biggest lead over businessman Herman Cain (36 percentage points) and Minnesota Rep. Michele Bachmann (36).

About 57 percent of respondents said they had a favorable opinion of Obama, compared with 40 percent unfavorable. That's up from September, when it was running 52-45 in favor. "It's not dramatic. It's slow and steady over the last few months," said Siena spokesman Steve Greenberg. "President Obama may be facing a difficult national electorate . . . however, he does not appear to have any problems in 'blue' New York."

Siena surveyed 803 registered voters in New York from Nov. 8-13. The poll has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.5 percentage points.

Respondents gave Obama his highest grades for "protecting America from terrorism" and "enhancing America's reputation around the world." His lowest marks came for the economy and creating jobs.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand (D-N.Y.) also saw slightly improved ratings. About 49 percent said they view her favorably, 25 percent unfavorably. Asked who they would vote for next fall, 53 percent said Gillibrand, 30 percent said "someone else." In September, the same question gave the incumbent a 45-34 advantage.

She has only one announced opponent: Nassau Comptroller George Maragos. Eighty-two percent said they didn't know him or had no opinion.