Giuliani would handily beat Gov. David Paterson, leading him by 60 percent to 35 percent with 5 percent undecided. But if Paterson fades away or loses in a Democratic primary against Attorney General Andrew Cuomo, Cuomo is on top by 53 percent to 43 percent with 4 percent undecided.

By contrast, matched against Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, who was named by Paterson to fill out Hillary Clinton's term when she became secretary of state, Giuliani leads 54 percent to 40 percent with 6 percent undecided.

Sixty-three percent of New York voters do not want to see Paterson run for re-election.

If Cuomo becomes the Democratic candidate for governor, he swamps the one announced GOP candidate, former Rep. Rick Lazio, leading him 69 percent to 24 percent.