Obama, Gillibrand have huge lead in Empire State: Poll

President Barack Obama and Sen. Kristen Gillibrand are both getting a big boost fromg New Yorkers in this year's election, a Quinnipiac University poll released Thursday said.

The commander in chief has a 28-point lead over forMitt Romney and, not-surprisingly, is expected to take the state in November, according to Maurice Carroll, the director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute.

The poll indicated New Yorkers were confident that Obama would be an effective leader when it comes to the economy and health care.

"New York voters say the president will do a better job than the challenger on every issue," Carroll said.

Gillibrand is facing re-election for her senate seat against GOP challenger Wendy Long. Although Long has the support of 64% of Empire State Republicans, Gillibrand has a 38-point lead against her opponent among overall voters.

Long's newcomer persona is hurting her election changes, Carroll said.

"The significant number in the Senate race is how many voters don't know enough to decide whether they like or dislike Wendy Long," he said.