New York Senate Polls Show Pro-Life DioGuardi Catching Pro-Abortion Gillibrand
by Steven Ertelt
LifeNews.com Editor
September 23, 2010
Albany, NY (LifeNews.com) — New polls in New York in the race for Hillary Clinton’s old Senate seat finds pro-life former congressman Joe DioGuardi catching up to pro-abortion candidate incumbent Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand. The race has not been in the limelight the way other close Senate races have been but the new polls may change that.
DioGuardi, fresh from winning the Republican nomination, pulled within 6 points of Gillibrand in a survey released Thursday and within the margin of error in another.
A Quinnipiac University poll showed Gillibrand leading 48-42 percent with both getting significant support from their respective parties and splitting independent voters.
Meanwhile, a new Survey USA poll showed Gillibrand leading by a more narrow 45-44 percent margin, picking up strong support in New York City but trailing throughout the rest of the state.
Picking up on the new polling results, the New York affiliate of the pro-abortion group NARAL released a statement saying it has significant concerns with DioGuardi’s pro-life views.
“DioGuardi opposes abortion even in cases of rape and incest,” said NARAL. “Not only is this view well outside the values of New Yorkers … it is far beyond the national mainstream.”
NARAL complained DioGuardi has said Roe v. Wade should be overturned and voted against taxpayer funding for abortions while a member of the House of Representatives.
Tom Kise, DioGuardi’s spokesman, says NARAL is deceiving Empire State voters.
“Kirstin Gillibrand and her Washington allies are running scared. They are distorting Joe’s record,” he told LoHud.
“Joe is pro-life, but has consistently made exceptions in cases of rape, incest and the life of the mother. Gillibrand and her allies are trying to ignore the fact that her policies have failed to turn the economy around and create jobs in New York," he added.
Jim Geraghty of the conservative National Review web site says DioGuardi can win but faces a tough battle.
"A big problem for all of the GOP’s statewide candidates will be money; New York is among the most expensive states to run in. One Republican worried that Gillibrand has a big war chest that she’s going to be putting to use the next six weeks, while DioGuardi doesn’t have much in the bank," he said.
DioGuardi won a Republican primary last week against David Malpass, former Bear Stearns chief economist, and Bruce Blakeman, former Nassau County legislator. He will also appear on the ballot under the Conservative Party line.
Sign Up for Free Pro-Life News From LifeNews.com
Daily Pro-Life News Report Twice-Weekly Pro-Life
News Report Receive a free daily email report from LifeNews.com with the latest pro-life news stories on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here. Receive a free twice-weekly email report with the latest pro-life news headlines on abortion, euthanasia and stem cell research. Sign up here.
