Many New York State voters believe Governor Cuomo’s staff acted inappropriately when they engaged with members of the Moreland Commission which was established by the governor to root out corruption in state government. A majority of registered voters also think the governor’s office did not proceed ethically although few think any laws were breached. And, there are political costs for the governor’s image among voters familiar with the controversy.

But, the big takeaway for this November’s elections is that most of the electorate considers the controversy to be either a minor factor or not a factor at all in deciding their vote for governor. Governor Andrew Cuomo still outpaces his GOP opponent Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino by a wide margin although his lead has narrowed slightly from a month ago. Cuomo continues to receive support from seven in ten Democrats (slipping from eight in ten) and is backed by a majority of independents. He still has support among nearly a quarter of Republicans although that is down from three in ten last month. His approval rating as governor is little changed. There has been a decline in the proportion of voters who have a favorable impression of the governor.

In a region beset by gubernatorial scandals, New Yorkers generally stand by their governor. Governor Christie’s traffic jam on the George Washington Bridge is seen as worse than Governor Cuomo’s Moreland Commission controversy.

“Among voters keyed into the issue the political storm is taking a toll on their views of Governor Cuomo. But, he has managed to keep the fallout at arm’s length where his re-election is concerned,” says Dr. Lee M. Miringoff, Director of The Marist College Institute for Public Opinion. “The problem for Rob Astorino is that the controversy involving Governor Cuomo’s office has not, so far, shaken up the race. Neither have voters’ impressions of Astorino improved.”

Complete August 5, 2014 NBC 4 New York/Wall Street Journal/Marist Poll

Poll Points

Moreland Meddling, The More You Know…





Cuomo vs. Christie: Competing Controversies

51% of New York State voters think New Jersey Governor Christie’s dispute over the traffic jam on the GWB is worse than the involvement of Governor Cuomo’s office with the work of the Moreland Commission. Democrats side with Cuomo with58% describing Christie’s scandal as more egregious than Cuomo’s, 28%. Republicans are in Christie’s corner. 56% think Cuomo’s controversy with the Moreland Commission is worse than Christie’s Bridgegate, 31%. Independent voters break Cuomo’s way. 55% point to Christie, and 29% see Cuomo’s issue as worse.

Marist Poll Methodology

Nature of the Sample and Complete Tables