Christine Quinn's current lead in New York City's mayoral race might be attributed to voters' desire for an empathetic leader, according to a poll released Thursday.
In the New York Times and Siena College poll, 61% of voters put a candidate's ability to realize the needs of ordinary citizens above management experience, temperament, and the ability to recruit new businesses. Most of the voters surveyed said they want the next mayor to prioritize the economy and jobs, followed by education, crime, and housing.
Quinn, who is the current City Council speaker, leads former Congressman Anthony Weiner 27% to 18% among Democratic voters. Bill de Blasio, the current New York City public advocate, and William Thompson Jr., a former comptroller, reached 11%. The current city comptroller, John Liu, had 7% of the vote.
The poll also found most voters are willing to give Weiner and former N.Y. Gov. Eliot Spitzer a second chance after their careers stalled following sex scandals. Spitzer is in the race for city comptroller.
The primary is set for Sept. 10.