LOUDONVILLE, N.Y. -- They are the twin curses of cash-strapped New Yorkers; soaring gas prices and crushing property taxes. When asked which has to go first, it's close, but we choose gas taxes.

As a whole, 49% of New Yorkers want lawmakers to reduce the state's gas tax, now topping 30 cents a gallon, 45% prefer a cap on property tax growth. Six percent don't know or have no opinion.

“New York City voters support the gas tax suspension. Suburban voters support the property tax cap. Upstate voters almost completely divided,” said Steve Greenberg.

The state Assembly and Governor Paterson say gas tax cuts aren't likely, but Paterson is pushing for the property tax cap. As for what type New Yorkers support, the poll finds it's a circuit breaker, or a measure ensuring property taxes don't exceed certain percentage of homeowners' income.

Siena finds 52% want a circuit breaker, 36% a traditional cap. 12%don't know.

Paterson is pushing for action on the issue, to stem the exodus of homeowners from the state. It's one reason why less than six months on the job, he's drawing praise even as many don't know much about him.

Just over half the state has a favorable opinion, only 15% unfavorable. More than a quarter of his constituents, though, don't know enough.

Among Democrats, though, it's enough to give the Governor an edge over Attorney General Andrew Cuomo in a possible primary battle in 2010.

It becomes a different story, though, in the general election where New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg comes out on top.

The Governor gets 37% compared to Bloomberg's 45%. About a fifth don't know or have no opinion.

"That's where it gets interesting, Bloomberg would beat either Paterson or Cuomo today, yet both Paterson and Cuomo would beat Giuliani if the election were held today,” said Greenberg.