Gillibrand third in Senate poll

(NOTE: This entry includes some corrections posted at 10:10 a.m.

Marist Institute polled New Yorkers to see who we want to fill Hillary Clinton’s unexpired Senate term.

Marist found that people are pretty evenly split between Caroline Kennedy and Andrew Cuomo, giving them 25% apiece.

But according to a separate poll by Public Policy Polling, North Country Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand is leading the “dark horse” category with a surprisingly high 6%.

Here’s the Washington Post’s take:

Members of Congress like Rep. Kirsten Gillibrand or Steve Israel — who are far less well known statewide — if better known might be significantly more appealing to New York voters.

Gillibrand edged out Israel and more than doubled the showing of Nassau County executive Tom Suoizzi and Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.

The takeaway?

Gillibrand — who has deep ties to the Democratic Party in New York City and Albany — has new standing inside the party.

Holding a district once dominated by Republicans has given her centrist credibility and boosted her name recognition.

What will she do with those assets? Stay tuned.