Princess Would Topple King

You want to know what bad shape Republicans are in in the state of New York? Well, just 42% of respondents believe Caroline Kennedy is qualified to serve in the Senate, but she'd still hammer Republican Congressman Peter King in 2010.

The latest Rasmussen Reports telephone survey of New York voters finds Kennedy would attract 51% of the vote in a match-up with Republican Peter King, a longtime congressman form Long Island. King, who has made his interest in such a race clear, earns 33% of the vote at this time. Nine percent (9%) say they would vote for a third-party candidate, and seven percent (7%) are not sure.

Still, there are hints of potential vulnerability for the daughter of former President John F. Kennedy, who is the leading candidate to replace Hillary Clinton in the Senate.

Just 42% believe she is qualified to serve in the Senate, and only nine percent (9%) believe she would do a better job than Clinton. Thirty-four percent (34%) believe she would not do as well as her predecessor, who has been nominated by President-elect Obama to serve as secretary of State.

Less than half the voters believe she's qualified yet she still crushes the Republican with the best name recognition.

Great.