Time is running out for Joe Lhota to catch up with Bill de Blasio in the race for mayor of New York City. With less thanks week to go, New York City likely voters back Mr. de Blasio over his Republican opponent Joseph Lhota 65 – 26 percent, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released Wednesday. Independence Party candidate Adolfo Carrion has 3 percent. This compares to a 68 – 24 percent de Blasio lead a week ago.

But voters seem to be more skeptical about his campaign promises. Only 42% say Mr. De Blasio, if elected, will be able to keep his campaign promises, while 43 percent say he can not keep his promises.

Mr. de Blasio’s lead, according to the poll, crosses all race and religion. The Democratic Frontrunner leads 51 – 40 percent among white voters, 90 – 1 percent among black voters, 85 – 10 percent among Hispanic voters, 69 – 21 percent among women, 60 – 32 percent among men and 85 – 9 percent among Democrats. Lhota takes Republicans 75 – 19 percent. Independent voters are divided 43 – 43 percent.

Seven percent of likely voters remain undecided and 9 percent of those who name a candidate say there’s a “good chance” they will change their mind by November 5.

“They’ll vote – big – for Public Advocate Bill de Blasio, but they’re skeptical about those big campaign promises,” said Maurice Carroll, director of the Quinnipiac University Polling Institute. “It’s a wipe-out, more than 2-1 for the Democratic candidate. Voters have gotten to know Republican Joe Lhota better, but they don’t like him any better. Maybe they’re turned off by those exceptionally tough TV commercials.”

Mr. Lhota’s flailing campaign and the Republican brand may have contributed to the Republican candidate’ inability to appeal to cross over Democrats. But his only winning strategy seems also to have fallen flat, getting thumbs up only among the junkies.

“By a narrow margin, voters think Lhota’s message is too negative,” Carroll said.

“But they wonder if de Blasio can deliver. Income inequality? Jobs? It’s a split between the doubters and the believers.”

(Jacob Kornbluh – YWN)