The Hiller Instinct: Hiller Instinct: Who's Next?

7News/Suffolk Poll

For months, Mitt Romney has done a fine imitation of a future presidential candidate, though he denies that's what he is:

Gov. Mitt Romney
"I don't have plans beyond 2006. I anticipate running again for re-election."

If Romney wants to know what state voters think he'll do...our poll can tell him.

• 35% believe he will run for president in 2008
• 53% - a majority - say, "No, he won't."

And if Romney does run for a second term at the state house, our poll shows he's no sure thing.

When asked whether Romney would win re-election:

• 49% said yes
• 32% said no
• 19% were undecided

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"A 17% lead, outside of the margin of error, is good news for the governor. However, he's under 50% as an incumbent, that's a sign of weakness and his favorability has eroded over the last 12 months in two successive polls.

Andy Hiller, 7News
"He's vulnerable?'

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"At this point in time he's vulnerable, yes."

Increasing Romney's vulnerability is decreasing support for his ‘no new taxes’ mantra.

Asked whether Beacon Hill should cut taxes or expand programs:

• 37% said cut taxes
• 51% said it's time to make government bigger

Prof. David Paleologos, Suffolk University Pollster
"We know Democrats want to expand programs and we know that Republicans want to cut taxes, the key difference here is independents. Traditionally independents had been for tax cuts, they're now shifting to expand programs, and that's the clear difference in this question."

Finally, a year after the state supreme court authorized gay marriage in Massachusetts, voters remain as divided as ever.

When we asked them, "Do you think the SJC went too far in its ruling?"

• 48% said yes
• 45% said no

But, by an overwhelming margin, the same voters told us they support civil unions, with the same legal rights as marriage...proving this war of words is about one word: "marriage".