“There are very few people whose [favorability ratings] rise as they go through the rigors of the campaign,” he said.
The poll found surveyed voters think O’Brien would do a better job improving education and health care, while Romney would better manage the state’s budget and create new jobs.
The poll also surveyed opinions on the three ballot questions Massachusetts voters will face on Nov. 5.
It revealed 34 percent of those surveyed support Question 1, which would eliminate the state’s personal income tax, while 57 percent oppose the measure.
Question 2, which would require public schools to teach nearly all students in English-only classrooms, enjoys the support of two-thirds of surveyed voters. Question 3, which asks voters if they support the financing of political campaigns with taxpayer money, is opposed by more than two-thirds of those surveyed.
In the state treasurer’s race, the poll found Democrat Tim Cahill leading Republican Dan Grabauskas 46 percent to 22 percent.