ALBANY -- A new poll shows Gov. David Paterson slumping to the lowest job approval and favorability ratings since he took office almost a year ago.

The Siena College Research Institute also reports Paterson trailing in potential 2010 election matchups.

The results come as Paterson most needs the power of persuasion and public support to face down special interests during budget negotiations complicated by fiscal crisis.

The poll released Tuesday shows Paterson viewed favorably by 40 percent of voters — down from 64 percent in November. His job performance got a favorable rating from 28 percent of those polled and only 19 percent said they'd vote for him in 2010.

The survey of 622 registered voters was conducted from Feb. 16-18 and has a margin of error of about 4 percentage points.

On the Net:

www.Siena.edu/SRI/SNY