The Associated Press and the Daily Freeman are reporting a Siena poll released March 19, shows Gov. Andrew Cuomo with a considerable lead over two potential Republican challengers and fellow Democrat Cynthia Nixon, who is challenging the incumbent governor in a primary as he seeks a third term in office. The Siena College poll found that respondents preferred Cuomo over Dutchess County Executive Marc Molinaro, 57 percent to 29 percent; and over state Sen. John DeFrancisco, of Syracuse, 57 percent to 28 percent. And Democrats overwhelmingly favor Cuomo over Nixon, 66 percent to 19 percent. Nixon formally launched her candidacy March 19. Molinaro has not formally launched his campaign, but has told state GOP leaders that he is running. Molinaro is expected to publicly declare his candidacy on April 2. Molinaro, 42, is a resident of Red Hook, and got his start in politics as a village of Tivoli trustee at age 18. Nixon, 51, is a supporter of New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, a fellow Democrat who often clashes with Cuomo on a variety of issues. The new poll also found the governor's favorability rating slipped slightly from the previous month. The new poll, of 772 registered voters, was conducted March 11 through 16. Read the full story in the Daily Freeman.