Fred Dicker of the New York Post reports that HGillary's approval ratings in New York state have declined.

Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton's approval rating has fallen to an 18—month low, as she comes in for increasing criticism for backing the war in Iraq, a new poll yesterday showed.

The Siena College Research Institute survey of 623 registered voters found 54 percent of New York voters with a favorable opinion of Democrat Clinton, her lowest rating since February 2005.

Clinton's "unfavorable" rating was also just 1 percentage point off its all—time high of 39 percent, reached last March.

The poll showed Clinton slipping 4 percentage points among Democrats and 8 points among independents since a Siena survey last month.

"It may be disaffection over the Iraq war, along with stepped—up attacks by Republicans," said Siena spokesman Steve Greenberg.

Pandering to the center has earned her no credit — perhaps credibility is the issue. But among the left wing Democrat base, she has alienated true believers. Gee, that's too bad.

Hat tip: Ed Lasky

Thomas Lifson  6 20 06