NEW YORK - Police Commissioner Ray Kelly’s approval rating has dropped among black voters, but he still tops the list of possible contenders in the 2009 New York City mayor’s race, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.  City Council Speaker Christine Quinn has slipped a few points and Comptroller William Thompson is up slightly.

Kelly’s approval rating is 59 – 30 percent, including a negative 36 – 55 percent among black voters.  This compares with a 62 – 28 percent approval, including 44 – 44 percent among black voters, in a March 13 poll by the independent Quinnipiac University.

Choosing from six possible candidates, 23 percent of New York City voters say they would most like Kelly as Mayor next year, compared to 22 percent March 13.  Other results are:

• U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner – 16 percent, compared to 14 percent March 13;
• Brooklyn Borough President Marty Markowitz – 13 percent, compared 14 percent;
• Thompson – 10 percent, compared to 8 percent;
• Quinn – 10 percent, compared to 13 percent;
• Public Advocate Betsy Gotbaum – 6 percent, compared to 8 percent.

Mayor Michael Bloomberg, meanwhile, has a 70 – 22 percent approval rating, down from 75 – 17 percent March 12.  In 30 months of Quinnipiac University polls, Bloomberg’s approval has dropped below 70 percent – to 69 percent – just once.