Poll: Chapman Over Keating; Baker Over Coakley. Enthusiasm Is With Republicans (MA)
-- In an Emerson College Polling Society/WGBH News poll released today, John Chapman (R), candidate for Congress in the Massachusetts 9th Congressional District, has a five point lead (45%-40%) over incumbent William Keating (D). The poll has Charlie Baker (R) extending his lead to five points (45% to 40%) over Martha Coakley (D) in the Massachusetts gubernatorial race.
Voters were asked if they were more or less enthusiastic about this year's election than previous elections and it appears that the Republican candidates are attracting the more enthused voters with 56% voting for Chapman compared to 31% who chose Keating. Baker's supporters are also expressing more excitement. Among those who support Baker, 58% are more enthusiastic about the upcoming election, compared to only 34% of Coakley supporters.
When asked which issue would most influence their vote for governor, 31% chose job creation followed by healthcare (20%), education (14%), and taxes (11%).
Issues play a significant role in candidate preferences, with those who find taxes most important supporting Baker over Coakley 77% to 6%. On job creation, his margin over Coakley is 51% to 37%. Voters who prioritize education and healthcare prefer Coakley, 58% to 39% and 52% to 38%, respectively.
In the heavily Democratic Commonwealth, GOP candidates must take nearly a 2:1 vote margin among Independents in order to secure victory. Chapman holds a solid lead (54% to 28%) among unaffiliated voters and Baker is ahead of Coakley 56% to 25%.
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http://finance.yahoo.com/news/emerson-college-wgbh-news-poll-181400370.html