The Hiller Instinct: Hiller Instinct: Romney on the Ropes?

7News/Suffolk University Poll

Who will the candidates be in 2006?

Gov. Mitt Romney, (R) Massachusetts
"I anticipate running again..."

Mitt Romney's says he's in - so that takes care of the Republicans.

Tom Reilly, (D) Mass. Attorney General
"We've kind of lost our way right now."

Our exclusive 7News/Suffolk University poll shows Attorney General Tom Reilly...with 41%...topping the list of potential Democratic candidates...well positioned to win his party's primary.

Professor David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"It doesn't look like Tom Reilly will be beaten at this point by anybody."

And that may include Romney - head to head, Riley beats Romney 45% to 41% in our poll, and he's the only Democrat leading the GOP governor.

Gov. Mitt Romney, (R) Massachusetts
"I find him a very interesting and kind gentleman. I enjoy being with him..."

This poll may strain the relationship... and convince the governor he's vulnerable. Voters, for example, don't believe Romney has reformed state government and, frankly, neither does he:

Gov. Mitt Romney, (R) Massachusetts
"Beacon Hill will never be fully reformed. There will always be new out-croppings of mismanagement and waste that will have to be knocked down...just like that game whack-a-mole...there's always something popping up."

Tom Riley is now the biggest pop-up Romney must knock down.

Professor David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"Mitt Romney has a serious problem in this poll. Voters are telling us that Tom Reilly is more trustworthy than Mitt Romney, and that Tom Reilly cares more about them. Those are two character issues that could carry him a long way."

And it won't be long before Riley makes it official:

Andy Hiller, 7News
"Do you think of yourself as a straight shooter?"

Tom Reilly, (D) Mass. Attorney General
"I try to be."

Andy Hiller, 7News
"Will you or will you not be a candidate for governor?"

Tom Reilly, (D) Mass. Attorney General
"When the time comes, we'll be ready."

Sure it's early...but not too early. If it's not Riley vs. Romney next year, it's most likely because one of them decided not to run.