Politics & Government

Bill de Blasio Opens Up Big Lead in New Poll

Public Advocate nears magic number to avoid runoff, Quinnipiac says.

With less than two weeks to go before Democratic primary voters must make a decision, Public Advocate Bill de Blasio has surged to the top of the latest Quinnipiac mayoral poll.

Bringing in 36 percent of Democrats, de Blasio opened up a big lead among likely voters, Quinnipiac said on Wednesday, putting Christine Quinn and Bill Thompson in his rear view mirror.

Quinn was in second place with 21 percent of voters, with Thompson just behind her at 20 percent. 

Just eight percent of voters said they were undecided. 

The 36 percent figure brings de Blasio very close to the 40 percent necessary to avoid a runoff — although in the event of a runoff, the poll found de Blasio would top both of his nearest competitors. 

"Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, in fourth place just five weeks ago, is edging up on the magic 40 percent needed to avoid a Democratic primary runoff," pollster Maurice Carroll said. "And if there is a runoff, he clobbers Council Speaker Christine Quinn or former Comptroller and 2009 Democratic challenger William Thompson." 

The poll was conducted among 602 voters, between Aug. 22 and Aug. 27, meaning the twin endorsements of Christine Quinn by the New York Times and New York Post were published during the polling period. 


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